Colorectal cancer is often perceived as a disease of the West, yet this regional study from the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand highlights a concerning reality closer to home. Most patients with carcinoma colon presented in their 50s and 60s, with a clear male predominance. Alarmingly, the majority reported late, often with symptoms such as bleeding per rectum, altered bowel habits, anemia, abdominal pain, or even obstruction. The sigmoid colon emerged as the most commonly affected site, and adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type.
A striking observation was that most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III and IV), underscoring delayed presentation and lack of effective screening. This study reinforces a critical message: colorectal cancer in India is frequently detected late, despite recognizable warning signs. Early suspicion, timely colonoscopy, and…