Medanta rolls out ‘Colon Tunnel on Wheels’ to drive awareness on colorectal cancer prevention & early detection

New Delhi: Medanta Gurugram—India’s leading multi-speciality hospital, ranked as the country’s best private hospital by Newsweek for six consecutive years—took colon cancer awareness to the next level with its innovative and engaging initiative, “Colon Tunnel on Wheels”.

This creative concept aims to educate the community about the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and treatment of the disease.

The Colon Tunnel on Wheels is a specially designed van shaped like a tunnel, visually representing the colon showcasing different types of polyps inside the colon, highlighting the symptoms and different stages of colorectal cancer. At the end of the tunnel, visitors can also participate in an interactive quiz to reinforce their understanding. The van is going to travel across 10 schools and 5 corporate offices over a 15-day period, spreading vital awareness about colon health. A Medanta doctor will also be present to explain key aspects and answer any questions.

Dr Amanjeet Singh, Senior Director -Head of Colorectal Surgery, GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgery, Gastrosciences, Medanta, Gurugram said,“Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.^[1] In India, its incidence is steadily rising due to changing lifestyles, low-fiber diets, and inadequate screening. Despite being highly preventable and treatable, limited awareness often leads to late diagnosis. The disease can be detected through non-invasive stool tests, such as the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), as well as advanced methods like colonoscopy, CT colonography, and sigmoidoscopy. Studies show that regular screening—through colonoscopy, stool tests, and imaging—can reduce incidence and mortality by up to 50% by detecting and removing precancerous growths.^[2] When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. Its treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, depending on the stage of the disease.

He added: “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. Initiatives like the ‘Colon Tunnel on Wheels’ play a crucial role in bridging the awareness gap, making information about colorectal cancer more accessible and engaging for the community.”

To further amplify the message, Medanta hosted an in-house panel discussion featuring experts Dr. Randhir Sud, Chairman, Gastroenterology, Gastrosciences; Dr. Ashok Vaid, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Cancer Care and Dr. Amanjeet Singh, Senior Director -Head of Colorectal Surgery, GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgery, Gastrosciences, focusing on prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of colon cancer. Medanta is at the forefront of providing quality care and driving awareness and is also conducting community programs, including health talks, free specialist consultations, and subsidized screenings, empowering and supporting individuals to take charge of their colon health.