GEM Hospital Chennai, India’s premier Gastroenterology and laparoscopic speciality hospital inaugurated a Social Media Helpline for colorectal diseases marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative will allow patients to post their queries related to colorectal diseases in the GEM Hospital Chennai’s social media pages like Facebook (@gemhospitalchennai) & Instagram (@gemhospitalchennai). Experts from the respective departments will analyse each & every query and send a detail response within 24 hrs. This will allow patients to be well informed about their well being without reaching the hospital.

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. To commemorate this GEM Hospital also conducted an awareness program on colorectal cancer to educate people about the symptoms, behaviour of the disease and the importance of early screening.

We are also launching Colorec+ initiative which will allow patients to avail screening for any colorectal related ailments like piles, fissure, fistula, colorectal cancer, etc at an affordable cost till 31st March 2025. People from in and outskirts of Chennai can make use of this Colorec+ initiative. 

During the occasion, GEM Hospital honoured the victors who successfully won their battle against colorectal cancer.  Around 100 Colorectal Cancer warriors were present at the 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. 

Dr. C. Palanivelu, Founder, GEM Hospitals said, “GEM Hospital is 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 5500 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” 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. S. Asokan, CEO, GEM Hospital Chennai said, “Colon cancer cases are among the top five most often reported cancer cases in India. 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.”

Dr. P. Senthilnathan, Director, GEM Hospital Chennai said, “We are happy to inaugurate our social media helelpline for patients that offers real-time support, empowering individuals to easily connect with healthcare professionals, access trusted medical advice, and receive guidance from the comfort of their homes. By bridging the gap between patients and providers, we aim to enhance accessibility and foster a sense of community, ensuring that help is just a message away. With this initiative, we`re not just embracing technology; we`re making healthcare more personal, accessible, and responsive to the needs of those we serve."

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”.