Apollo Cancer Centres Launches ‘ColFit’
A Comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Sc reening Program Amidst Rising Cases
Chennai, March 26, 2025: In response to the rise in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases a cross India, Apollo Cancer Centres (AC C) has launched ColFit, a comprehensive screening program designed to detect a nd prevent colorectal cancer at an early stage. This initiative aims to improve sur vival rates, reduce treatment costs, and address the concerning trend of latestag e diagnoses, which currently lead to poo r outcomes and higher healthcare burde ns. Despite being highly preventable an d treatable with early detection, a signifi cant proportion of CRC cases in India ar e identified at advanced stages, resultin g in lower survival rates and increased t reatment expenses.
ColFit focuses on expanding CRC screen ing among both older and younger popul ations, emphasizing the importance of e arly detection. While India’s age-standa rdized rate (ASR) for CRC remains relati ively low at 7.2 per 100,000 males and 5 .1 per 100,000 females, the absolute nu mber of cases is substantial given the co untry’s population of over a billion. Mor e alarming is India’s five-year survival r ate for CRC, which stands at less than 4 0%—among the lowest globally. The CO NCORD-2 study further highlights a tro oubling decline in five-year survival rate s for rectal cancer in certain Indian regis tries.
Colorectal cancer often presents with s ymptoms that should not be overlooked ed. These include persistent changes in bowel habits (such as chronic diarrhoea or constipation), rectal bleeding or bloo d in the stool, unexplained weight loss, a nd ongoing abdominal discomfort or cra mps. Key risk factors include a low-fibre diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic predispositions, and a family history of C RC. Recognizing these symptoms and risk factors is critical for early detection and prevention.
Apollo Cancer Centres’ ColFit program introduces a groundbreaking approach to CRC detection by incorporating the F aecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a non-invasive, highly accurate screening tool that identifies hidden blood in stool—a potential early indicator of CRC. FIT req uires only a single sample, offers higher sensitivity, and eliminates the need for d ietary restrictions, making it a convenie nt and patient-friendly option.
The ColFit screening process follows a s tructured pathway: Registration and Ris sk
Registration and Ris Stratification: Patients are categorized based on risk le vels.
Average-risk individuals (aged 45+ with no family history) undergo FIT and stool tests. High-risk patients (with a family hi story, genetic syndromes, or inflammato ry bowel disease) are recommended FIT and colonoscopy.
Analysis and Diagnosis: Abnormal result s prompt further analysis of stool sampl es for occult blood or DNA mutations, w hile colonoscopy findings are reviewed f or polyps or tumours.
Follow-Up and Counselling: Negative ca ses are advised periodic follow-ups (1-10 years), while positive cases receive fu rther evaluation, including biopsies if ne ecessary. Post-screening, patients recei ve counselling on lifestyle modifications ations, personalized screening plans, an d genetic counselling for high-risk indivi duals.
This comprehensive approach ensures e arly detection, timely intervention, and effective prevention, significantly reduc ing the risk of CRC progression. Dr.Venk
atesh Munikrishnan, Senior Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Pr oton Cancer Centre, stated, “We must s hift from reactive care to proactive scre ening for colorectal cancer. Lifestyle fac tors such as poor diet, sedentary habits, and obesity are major contributors to ri sing CRC cases. A high-fiber diet, regula r exercise, and proactive screenings can play a pivotal role in prevention. With C olFit, we are making early detection acc essible through FIT, a simple, non-invasi ve test that can significantly reduce com plications and improve outcomes.”
Dr. Senthil Kumar Ganapathi, Senior Co nsultant – Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon n, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, added, “Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecti ng both young and elderly populations i n India, yet survival rates remain alarmi gly low due to late-stage diagnoses. Whi le countries with established screening programs have seen improved outcomes es, nearly 50% of CRC cases are detecte d at advanced stages, with an additional 20% presenting with metastases. Early s creening and awareness are critical to r eversing this trend. At Apollo Cancer Ce ntres, we are committed to advancing e arly detection through ColFit, precision treatments, and holistic care to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burd en of CRC in India.”
Mr. Karan Puri, CEO, Apollo Proton Can cer Centre, highlighted the organization on’s mission: “As a leader in advanced ca ncer care, our goal is not only to treat b ut also to educate and raise awareness a bout the preventable nature of colorect tal cancer. With cutting-edge treatment s and a multidisciplinary approach, we d eliver precision care that enhances surv ival rates and quality of life. Our team w orks closely with patients to develop pe rsonalized treatment plans tailored to t heir unique needs. Through ColFit, we ai m to empower individuals to take contr ol of their health, ensuring early detecti ion and better outcomes. By offering a s eamless screening-to-treatment pathw ay, we are committed to reducing the C RC burden in India.”
Colorectal cancer is one of the most pre ventable and treatable cancers when de tected early. Apollo Cancer Centres urg es individuals, especially those with a fa mily history of CRC or persistent sympt oms, to prioritize regular screenings. Ta king proactive steps such as routine FIT tests, timely colonoscopies, and adoptin ting healthier lifestyles can help curb th e rising trend of colorectal cancer and sa ve countless lives.
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