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AIIMS Experts Urge Early Detection as GI Diseases Rise

Doctors from AIIMS say digestive diseases are becoming more common.

Fatty liver is especially widespread, even though many people may not feel sick at first.

It is linked with conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Doctors also say colorectal cancer is being found more often in younger adults.

Blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss and lasting changes in bowel habits can be warning signs.

Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease are also being recognised more often in India.

Finding these problems early can help doctors treat or manage them sooner.

Experts will discuss these issues at a major gastroenterology congress in New Delhi in 2026.

Key facts

Fatty liver prevalence: An AIIMS-led review found fatty liver disease in 38.6% of Indian adults and 35.4% of Indian children.
Diabetes-related risk: A cited study found clinically significant liver fibrosis in one in four patients with type 2 diabetes.
Colorectal cancer cases: India recorded 40,430 new cases among men and 24,433 among women in 2022.
Celiac disease: AIIMS-led community research found celiac disease in approximately one in 96 people in northern India.
National program: India added fatty liver disease to its National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in 2021.
Congress dates: The World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 is scheduled for September 30 through October 3, 2026.
Congress theme: “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature.”

thestatesman.com · 2 hrs ago