Apollo Hospitals’ Dr. Vishnu Abhishek Raju urges early gastrointestinal screening, disciplined lifestyle habits and timely medical consultation to prevent stomach diseases and GI cancers. He highlights risks of self-medication and stresses routine screening for individuals above 50 during a press meet in Agartala.
Senior Gastroenterologist Dr. Vishnu Abhishek Raju from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, emphasized the urgent need for early gastrointestinal screening to prevent the rising burden of stomach and intestinal diseases. He was addressing a press conference in Agartala on Sunday during his second visit to the city.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Raju highlighted the theme “Gastrointestinal Cancer and General GI Health”, outlining how preventive gastroenterology has become essential in today’s lifestyle-driven world. According to him, gastrointestinal cancers and chronic digestive disorders often remain silent in the early stages, allowing them to progress unnoticed until they become life-threatening. Therefore, timely detection and preventive habits are the cornerstones of long-term digestive health.
Dr. Raju stressed that early identification, disciplined lifestyle choices and timely medical intervention form the fundamental pillars of preventing severe GI complications. He noted that many gastrointestinal diseases can be treated effectively when detected early, but delays in diagnosis significantly reduce treatment success.
Lifestyle Changes Are Vital
While addressing reporters, Dr. Raju explained that the modern lifestyle—marked by irregular eating habits, reduced physical activity, contaminated drinking water, and high stress levels—has led to an alarming rise in gastrointestinal issues among both younger and older populations. He urged people to adopt simple yet consistent habits such as:
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Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber
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Keeping the body hydrated with clean and safe drinking water
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Reducing consumption of processed and spicy foods
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Engaging in regular physical exercise
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Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
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Managing stress through meditation or other relaxation techniques
He added that these steps are crucial for preventing a wide range of GI diseases, including gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, chronic constipation, and colorectal complications.
Routine Screening After Age 50 Is Critical
Dr. Raju emphasized that individuals aged 50 years and above must undergo regular screening for gastric and colonic cancers. These screenings, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, help detect early changes that could indicate cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. He underlined that several global health studies show a high success rate in treating gastrointestinal cancers when diagnosed at an early stage.
“Screening should not be postponed until symptoms appear, because gastrointestinal cancers often remain silent initially,” he said. “A proactive approach saves lives.”
Avoid Self-Medication and Outdated Prescriptions
Dr. Raju issued a strong warning against the widespread practice of self-medication, particularly when it comes to digestive issues. Many individuals, he noted, continue taking old prescriptions for acidity, abdominal pain or digestive disorders without consulting a medical specialist.
He cautioned that such practices can worsen underlying conditions and delay proper diagnosis. “Patients must seek timely medical advice instead of relying on old medicines or over-the-counter drugs,” he said.
According to Dr. Raju, each patient’s condition is unique, and therefore every treatment plan requires a personalized approach supported by appropriate diagnostic investigations. He urged the public to consult qualified doctors as soon as they notice persistent symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, difficulty swallowing or chronic acidity.
Public Awareness Is the Need of the Hour
Highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns, Dr. Raju said that people often ignore early signs of GI disorders due to lack of knowledge or fear of undergoing tests. He encouraged communities, health organizations and government agencies to promote educational outreach programs on gastrointestinal health.
He added that preventive gastroenterology does not only focus on treating diseases but on building healthier lifestyles and habits that reduce long-term risks.
Second Visit to Agartala Marks Strengthening Medical Outreach
This was Dr. Raju’s second visit to Agartala, indicating Apollo Hospitals’ broader initiative to strengthen preventive healthcare outreach in the Northeast. He interacted with local doctors, patients and journalists, sharing updated medical insights and stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in reducing gastrointestinal disease burden.
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As gastrointestinal cancers continue to rise globally, Dr. Raju’s message serves as a crucial reminder: early screening, informed lifestyle choices and timely medical intervention are essential for preventing serious stomach diseases and ensuring overall digestive health.
