Surge in colorectal cancer cases over the past decade

– Increasing prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and related disorders

– Leading gastroenterologists and specialists discuss latest advancements

– Two-day annual conference hosted by KIMS and KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals

– Over 500 doctors from various states participated

Medical experts have expressed growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of colorectal diseases in India, attributing it to modern lifestyles, Western dietary habits, and sedentary behavior. Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in colorectal cancer cases in the country, alongside a surge in conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s disease.

KIMS and KIMS-Sunshine Hospitals organized a two-day annual conference under the banner of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology at the KIMS Hospital premises in Hyderabad. The event, held on Friday and Saturday, witnessed the participation of over 450 doctors from across Telangana and several other states. The conference brought together surgical and medical gastroenterologists, general surgeons, surgical oncologists, and specialists from various other medical fields.

Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, CMD of KIMS Hospitals, served as the Chief Patron of the event, ensuring the availability of necessary resources for the conference. Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr. G. Parthasarathy from KIMS Hospital and Dr. E. Vimalakar Reddy from KIMS-Sunshine Hospital were the organizing secretaries, while Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr. R.A. Sastry acted as the organizing chairman. Other eminent medical professionals, including Dr. G.V. Rao, Dr. Peush Sahni, and Dr. Sujoy Pal, delivered lectures at  the conference.

Speaking at the event, Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr. Parthasarathy emphasized the evolving nature of colorectal disease treatment. “In the last decade, not only has the incidence of these diseases increased, but treatment methodologies have also transformed significantly. Particularly in colorectal cancer, we now have advanced surgical techniques and chemotherapy options. Earlier, patients received a uniform treatment approach, but today, we adopt personalized treatment plans based on genetic testing of the tumor. This allows us to identify specific drugs that will be most effective for each patient, resulting in better outcomes.”

Dr. Vimalakar further highlighted advancements in the treatment of IBD, stating, “Previously, steroid-based treatments and frequent surgeries were the primary approach. However, we now have monoclonal antibodies that help manage the disease effectively, reducing the need for surgical interventions. Many IBD patients can now be treated without surgery. Crohn’s disease, once predominantly observed in European countries, has become increasingly common in India due to Western dietary habits. The medical field has made significant progress in developing new treatment strategies for such conditions.”

He also stressed the importance of continuous medical education (CME) programs, stating, “Medical professionals who studied a decade ago may not be aware of these new treatment modalities. CME events like this one help doctors from different regions gain insights from experts and stay updated with the latest advancements. The presence of specialists focusing on rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, and IBD ensures knowledge-sharing that ultimately benefits patients by improving treatment outcomes.”

The conference provided a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, enabling medical professionals to enhance their expertise and contribute to the advancement of gastroenterology treatment in India.