Why is colon cancer diagnosed so late?

“There are a lot of delays in diagnosis for young people because their doctors aren’t thinking cancer when a 20-year-old says their stomach is hurting and they have rectal bleeding,” Siegel says. Doctors say the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer in young patients are: Blood in the stool.

Can cancer be detected at an early stage?

Should you be screened? It’s true that some cancers are diagnosed only after symptoms develop. And this may be after the disease has spread or a tumor has grown large enough to be felt or seen in imaging tests. But many types of cancers can be diagnosed early, before symptoms form.

How often is colon cancer caught early?

When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90\%. But only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage.

Is colon cancer curable if caught early?

“Overall, colorectal cancer is highly preventable, and if detected early, it’s also one of the most curable types of cancer,” notes Dr. Lipman. Up to 85\% of colorectal cancers could be prevented or successfully treated if everyone who is eligible for a colonoscopy got screened.

Is colon cancer easily detectable?

Screening can often find colorectal cancer early, when it’s small, hasn’t spread, and might be easier to treat. Regular screening can even prevent colorectal cancer. A polyp can take as many as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer.

How treatable is colon cancer if found early?

Does colon cancer appear suddenly?

Colon cancer doesn’t appear suddenly. It may start as a polyp or a small ulcer that may not cause symptoms. Polyps, if left untreated, can lead to colon cancer.

Can IBC be detected in a blood test?

“Women identified at risk of IBC should be monitored periodically with an approved blood test and started on preventive therapy, including consideration for a vaccine. If tests continue to be abnormal, breast imaging is recommended even if no symptoms are present.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer in early stages?

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine. If you notice any persistent symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.

Can colon cancer show up with no symptoms at all?

Colorectal cancer can show up with no symptoms at all, even in people who don’t think they’re at risk. So, everyone should be checked. There are a number of ways to get screened for colorectal cancer, but a colonoscopy is the only one that can help prevent cancer from even starting. Colorectal cancer doesn’t just appear suddenly.

When should you get screened for colon cancer?

Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider colon cancer screening around age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner. Several screening options exist — each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

What is the most common age to get colon cancer?

Older age. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50. The rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing, but doctors aren’t sure why. African-American race.