Chennai, 4th March 2023: GEM Hospital Chennai, India’s premier Gastroenterology and laparoscopic speciality hospital organised an awareness program today observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative is intended to honour the victors who successfully won their battle against colorectal cancer. Col. Dr. G. Thiruvasagam, Vice Chancellor – AMET University was the Guest of Honour for the occasion.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed in March to highlight the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, as well as to promote healthy lifestyle habits that can decrease a person’s risk of developing cancer of the colon, rectum or anus.
Around 100 Colorectal Cancer warriors were present at GEM Hospital to share their experience and the quality of life they are currently going through. It gives confidence and the courage to those who are newly diagnosed with cancer to undergo treatments bravely.
Our Guest of Honour for the occasion, Col. Dr. G. Thiruvasagam, Vice Chancellor – AMET University said, “I congratulate GEM Hospital for saving so many lives by not only providing best treatments for the Cancer patients but also for the quality of life instilled in each and every patient after recovery. In the current scenario Cancer is seen as a deadly disease and there are patients who are scared to undergo the treatment because of the pain and side effects they face during the process. But, these kinds of programmes where a patient shares his/her testimonials will really bring more courage and create awareness among the public to face such situations bravely”.
Dr. C. Palanivelu, Founder, GEM Hospitals said that, “We are glad to honour all the cancer warriors who successfully underwent surgery for various malignancy treatments at our Chennai hospital. I am proud to share that GEM Hospital is the first to introduce Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancers. We have performed more than 5000 Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgeries in last 30 years. Apart from the cancer treatments we also provide psychological support for each and every patient to give them enough support and courage to go through the treatment process”.
Dr. S. Asokan, CEO, GEM Hospital Chennai said, “GEM Hospital observes Colorectal Cancer Month to raise awareness for the third-most common cancer all over the world and it is the second most common cause of cancer death, leading to almost 1 million deaths per year. Colon cancer cases are among the top five most often reported cancer cases in India. In this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, GEM Hospital will continue to educate and inspire people on the importance of screening and promote healthy living habits”.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. Senthilnathan, Director, GEM Hospital Chennai said, “With the advancement in the infrastructure and availability of latest technologies involving high definition 4K/3D laparoscopic system and Da Vinci Robotic System used for complex colorectal surgeries, the doctors as well as the patients can be rest assured a treatment with minimum of scar, less pain and faster recovery with cost effective methods.”
Elaborating on the importance of screening Dr. Pinak Dasgupta, Head of Colorectal Department, GEM Hospital said that, “Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, letting doctors take action to prevent the disease. Colonoscopy , Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFBOT),  Stool DNA, Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Virtual colonoscopy are the effective screening methods available for best results and to detect colorectal cancer early”.