Digestive health concerns are rising across India, driven by fast-paced lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and sedentary work routines. Despite the growing prevalence of digestive problems, awareness about serious gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer remains low.
To better understand how people interpret digestive symptoms and when they seek medical help, Merck Specialities Pvt. Ltd. supported a nationwide perception audit through the Lifestyle & Digestive Health Awareness Survey. The survey assessed how individuals respond to symptoms such as irregular bowel movements, acidity, and blood in stool, while also identifying awareness gaps and behavioural patterns that may delay timely medical consultation and diagnosis.
The findings were shared at a press conference addressed by Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Lead Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai; Dr. Mubarakunnisa Tonse, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai; and Dr. Darshit Shah, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, who emphasised the urgent need for greater awareness and timely medical consultation for digestive health symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is emerging as a growing health concern in India, driven by unhealthy diets, obesity, and low awareness about gut health. Although largely preventable and treatable when detected early, many cases are diagnosed late due to delayed screening and poor awareness of symptoms. March is observed globally as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and against this backdrop, the nationwide survey uncovered worrying trends in digestive health awareness and lifestyle habits.
The nationwide survey collected responses from 10,198 individuals aged between 25 and 65 years across 14 major Indian cities, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune. The findings reveal several concerning patterns in digestive health behaviour and awareness. Over 80% of respondents self-medicate for digestive issues such as acidity, indigestion, or constipation instead of consulting a doctor. More than 65% of respondents reported experiencing irregular bowel movements. Over 50% consume outside or packaged food at least three times a week, with 28.1% eating outside almost daily. Only 45.2% reported exercising regularly, while 54.8% said they do not exercise at least three times a week. 39.9% reported tobacco consumption, which is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal diseases. 40% of young respondents ignored symptoms and reported digestive irregularities but did not consult a doctor, assuming it was due to lifestyle habits. Most importantly, over 80% of respondents were unaware that blood in stool can be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer.
As the campaign gathered momentum across Mumbai, the city-specific survey findings exposed a worrying lack of awareness around digestive health and colorectal cancer.
The city-specific analysis for Mumbai included 786 participants, comprising 400 male and 383 female respondents, across age groups 25–35 (305), 36–45 (216), 46–55 (137), and 55 years and above (128). The findings revealed that only 18.9% of respondents in Mumbai recognise blood in stool and bowel habit changes as warning signs of colorectal cancer, indicating low awareness. Equally concerning is the delay in seeking medical help. More than 85% of respondents said they would opt for over-the-counter solutions or lifestyle changes if their bowel habits changed for a few weeks (constipation or loose motions), rather than consulting a doctor. Digestive symptoms were also commonly reported in the city, with 58% of respondents experiencing irregular bowel movements and 52.8% reporting a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation at times.
Lifestyle risks were evident, with 86% frequently consuming outside or packaged food, while only 50.3% reported exercising regularly and 49.7% did not engage in regular physical activity. Tobacco consumption was reported by 41.9% of respondents, further increasing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer. Another major concern is self-management of symptoms, with 87.5% handling gastric issues such as acidity, gas, or indigestion on their own rather than seeking medical advice.
When it comes to more serious symptoms, 27.8% admitted they would self-medicate even in cases of blood in stool. Barriers to seeking medical care were also highlighted, with 29.6% citing lack of time, while others ignored symptoms due to fear, embarrassment, or the belief that the issue was not serious. Awareness levels remain low, with only 22.2% knowing that serious digestive diseases can exist without pain. Family history was reported by 21.4% of respondents, including conditions such as bowel cancer, polyps, or inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. Despite this, hereditary risk remains under-recognised and under-discussed.
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Lead Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said, “Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and often begins as small growths called polyps that can gradually become cancerous if untreated. Risk factors include unhealthy diets low in fibre, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and age. Don’t miss symptoms such as persistent bowel habit changes, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early through screening methods such as colonoscopy.”
Dr. Mubarakunnisa Tonse, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, further added, “Another key concern in Mumbai is the tendency to self-medicate even in serious situations like noticing blood in stool. This, combined with low awareness of colorectal cancer warning signs, increases the risk of missing early diagnosis. The high number of people reporting tobacco use further raises the risk of developing gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer. Spreading awareness about symptoms, encouraging people to seek timely medical advice, and promoting regular screening are essential steps to improve early detection and outcomes.”
Dr. Darshit Shah, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, highlighted that lifestyle habits play a major role in the rising incidence of colorectal cancer. He said, “Frequent consumption of processed or outside food, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and obesity can increase the risk. Adopting healthier habits such as a fibre-rich diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and undergoing routine screening can reduce the risk.”