Medanta Gurugram, India’s leading multi-speciality hospital and ranked as the country's best private hospital by Newsweek for six consecutive years, has taken an innovative step towards raising awareness about colorectal cancer with its groundbreaking initiative, “Colon Tunnel on Wheels.” This creative and interactive campaign aims to educate the public on the rising incidence of colon cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection and timely intervention.

A Unique Approach to Cancer Awareness

The Colon Tunnel on Wheels is a mobile van designed to look like a tunnel, visually depicting the colon and showcasing different types of polyps, as well as illustrating the symptoms and stages of colorectal cancer. Visitors to the van will have the opportunity to walk through this informative tunnel and participate in an interactive quiz at the end, reinforcing their knowledge about the disease.

The van will be traveling to 10 schools and 5 corporate offices over a span of 15 days, spreading critical awareness about colon health. Additionally, a Medanta doctor will be available at each stop to provide detailed explanations and answer any questions attendees may have.

Tackling the Rising Threat of Colorectal Cancer

Dr. Amanjeet Singh, Senior Director and Head of Colorectal Surgery, GI Surgery, GI Oncology, and Bariatric Surgery at Medanta, highlighted the growing concern of colorectal cancer, noting, “Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In India, its incidence is steadily rising due to changing lifestyles, low-fiber diets, and inadequate screening.”

He emphasized that despite colorectal cancer being highly preventable and treatable, limited awareness often results in late-stage diagnosis. Early detection can be achieved through non-invasive stool tests such as the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), as well as advanced diagnostic methods like colonoscopy and CT colonography. According to Dr. Singh, regular screening can reduce the incidence and mortality of the disease by up to 50%. With early diagnosis, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%.

Fostering a Lasting Impact on Youth

Given the increasing exposure of children to junk food and sedentary lifestyles, Medanta’s initiative also focuses on raising awareness among school children, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices. Dr. Singh explained, “With kids today increasingly exposed to junk food and sedentary lifestyles, making them more vulnerable to such diseases later in life, we focused on creating awareness among school children about lifestyle changes to ensure a lasting impact.”

Expert Insights and Community Engagement

To further amplify the message, Medanta hosted an in-house panel discussion with experts Dr. Randhir Sud, Chairman of Gastroenterology, Gastrosciences; Dr. Ashok Vaid, Chairman of Medical Oncology, Cancer Care; and Dr. Amanjeet Singh. The discussion focused on the prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of colon cancer, reinforcing the importance of early intervention in improving outcomes.

Medanta’s comprehensive approach to cancer awareness also includes community programs, such as health talks, free consultations with specialists, and subsidized screenings, all aimed at empowering individuals to take control of their colon health.

Empowering the Community

Medanta is leading the way in both providing quality healthcare and driving public awareness about critical health issues like colorectal cancer. The “Colon Tunnel on Wheels” is just one of the many ways the hospital is making a significant impact in the fight against cancer, ensuring that vital information reaches individuals of all ages and backgrounds.