When doctors at AIIMS, New Delhi, removed a nearly 20-kilogram stage IV colon cancer tumour from a 42-year-old woman from Durgapur, West Bengal, it wasn’t just a surgical milestone—it was also a powerful reminder of how lifestyle choices can shape cancer outcomes.

The woman, Ms Munmun, had been battling advanced colon cancer that had spread to multiple organs, including the liver, uterus, ovary and the abdominal lining. After months of chemotherapy and two high-risk surgeries, she is now cancer-free and recovering well. But for the doctors who treated her, the case also underscores an urgent public health message: colon cancer is increasingly being driven by poor diet, stress and sedentary lifestyles.

Red Meat, Fast Food and the Rising Colon Cancer Risk

Speaking after the surgery, Prof. M.D. Ray from the Department of Surgical Oncology at IRCH, AIIMS Delhi pointed to dietary habits as a major contributor to colon cancer.

“Excessive consumption of red meat and fast food causes chronic irritation of the colon. Combined with constipation, irregular bowel movements and a sedentary lifestyle, this continuous physical irritation significantly increases cancer risk,” Prof. Ray said.

He warned that many patients ignore early digestive symptoms, often normalising constipation and abdominal discomfort for years. “Regular bowel habits are crucial. When the colon is under constant strain, the risk of malignancy rises,” he added.

A Case That Pushed the Limits of Surgery

Ms Munmun first arrived at AIIMS in July 2024 with severe abdominal distension. Investigations revealed carcinoma of the colon with extensive spread throughout the abdomen. She underwent six cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy with bevacizumab, followed by a cycle of FOLFIRI, which resulted in partial tumour shrinkage.

On January 12, 2026, a multidisciplinary AIIMS team led by Prof. Ray performed extensive cytoreductive surgery, removing nearly 19.9 kilograms of tumour tissue and affected organs. A second-stage procedure, including HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), was completed on January 15 to eliminate residual cancer cells.

The patient has since been shifted from the ICU to the ward and will continue with maintenance and targeted therapy.

Why Mental Health Matters in Cancer Recovery

Beyond surgery and chemotherapy, Prof. Ray stressed the often-overlooked role of mental health in cancer treatment.

“We focus heavily on physical disease but underestimate the mind. I have seen that when a patient’s mental health is strong, the outcomes are far better,” he said.

He strongly advocates yoga, meditation and regular exercise as essential components of cancer care—not just for recovery, but also for prevention.

“Meditation and yoga reduce stress, improve immunity and help patients cope better with long treatments. I actively encourage all my patients to make them part of daily life,” he said.

A Wake-Up Call for Prevention

As Ms Munmun looks ahead to recovery, her case serves as a cautionary tale for millions of Indians at risk of colorectal cancer. Doctors say prevention begins well before the hospital—by cutting down on red meat and processed foods, staying physically active, managing stress, and paying attention to digestive health.

“This surgery saved a life,” Prof. Ray said. “But many such cancers can be prevented if people change how they eat, move and think.”

For AIIMS doctors, the message is clear: modern medicine can work miracles, but lifestyle changes remain the first and most powerful line of defence.