29th February 2024; Gurgaon: Medanta-Gurugram has launched a unique patient engagement initiative, ‘Conversations and coffee with Specialists’, to strengthen awareness around colorectal cancer and highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and timely treatment. Open for the general public, ‘Conversations and Coffee’ will be held at Medanta on the 1st of March, between 4 and 5 pm. Led by Dr Randhir Sud (Chairman, Gastroenterology), Dr Amanjeet Singh (Director and Head, Colorectal Surgery) and Dr Sushila Kataria (Senior Director, Internal Medicine), the discussion will be centred around understanding the condition, signs and symptoms associated with it, diagnostic testing for the same and treatment options. This is community initiative Dr. Amanjeet Singh, Director & Head of Colorectal Surgery, GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgery, Gastro-sciences, Medanta said, “The incidence of colon cancer in India is on the rise, yet there remains considerable room for improvement in treatment outcomes by diagnosing them at an early stage, significantly impacting survival rates. Early detection and treatment are crucial in addressing this issue effectively. However, social awareness regarding colorectal cancer is notably lacking in India, with a prevalent reluctance among those aware to seek immediate medical care. Through these initiatives, we aim to raise awareness about this disease and encourage individuals to prioritize timely medical attention when necessary.” Dr Randhir Sud, Chairman, Gastroenterology, Medanta Gurugram said, “This is a community initiative we have organised to strengthen awareness around the third most common cancer in India – colorectal cancer. It is important to know that colorectal cancer is completely curable if caught early. What people need to be aware of are symptoms such as constipation, changes in bowel habits, bleeding in stool, unexplained anaemia, and unexplained weight loss. Patients who are generally at risk include those with a family history, with inflammatory conditions of the intestine such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and those who live a sedentary lifestyle and have poor nutrition. Therefore, increased fibre intake, exercise four hours a week and regular screening post the age of 45 is essential.” About Medanta (Global Health Limited): Founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan, a world-renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon who has been awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri, the third- and fourth-highest civilian awards in India, and the Dr. B.C. Roy Award in recognition of his distinguished contribution to medicine, Medanta (Global Health Limited) is one of the largest private multi-specialty tertiary care providers operating in the North and East regions of India, with key specialties cardiac science, neurosciences, oncology, digestive and hepatobiliary sciences, orthopaedics, liver transplant, and kidney and urology, according to the report titled “An assessment of the healthcare delivery market in India, September 2022” by CRISIL Limited. Under the “Medanta” brand, the Company has a network of five hospitals currently in operation (Gurugram, Indore, Ranchi, Lucknow, and Patna). Spanning an area of 4.7 million sq. ft., its operational hospitals have 2,571 installed beds as on December 31, 2022. It also has one hospital under-construction in Noida. The Company provides healthcare services in over 30 medical specialties and engages over 1,400 doctors led by highly experienced department heads.