Archive · 2 Sep 2026
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.
AIIMS experts warned that fatty liver, gastrointestinal cancers and autoimmune diseases are increasing in India and globally.
An AIIMS review found fatty liver disease in 38.6% of Indian adults and 35.4% of Indian children.
Experts urged people not to ignore blood in the stool, persistent bowel changes, unexplained weight loss or ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms.
India recorded 40,430 colorectal cancer cases among men and 24,433 among women in 2022, with more cases appearing in younger adults.
The World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 will be held in New Delhi from September 30 to October 3, focusing on early diagnosis and new treatments.
- Who
- AIIMS gastroenterology experts, including Dr. Pramod Garg, Dr. Govind Makharia, Dr. Shalimar and Dr. Vineet Ahuja.
- What
- The experts called for earlier detection and prevention of rising gastrointestinal diseases, including fatty liver disease and colorectal cancer.
- When
- The warning was issued ahead of the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026, scheduled for September 30 to October 3, 2026.
- Where
- The congress will take place at Yashobhoomi, the India International Convention and Expo Centre, in Dwarka, New Delhi.
- Why
- Early testing and preventive care may identify and manage gastrointestinal conditions before they progress.
- 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.”