Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine or colon. It is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 104,270 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2021.

The survival rate for colon cancer depends on the stage at which it is detected. Unfortunately, many cases of colon cancer go undetected until they are in advanced stages, which makes treatment more difficult. In this article, we will explore why colon cancer goes undetected, the causes, and implications of undetected colon cancer.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

Before discussing why colon cancer goes undetected, it is important to understand the causes of colon cancer. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Some of these risk factors include:.

Age: Colon cancer is more common in individuals over the age of 50.
Family history: Individuals with a family history of colon cancer or polyps are at higher risk.
Personal history: Individuals who have had colon cancer or polyps are at higher risk of developing it again.
Race: African Americans are at higher risk of colon cancer than other races.
Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed foods can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including colon cancer.

Why Colon Cancer Goes Undetected

Colon cancer can go undetected because many people do not experience symptoms until it has progressed to advanced stages. In its early stages, colon cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows and spreads, it can cause symptoms such as:.

Changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea or constipation
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue or weakness

However, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions and are not specific to colon cancer. As a result, many people may dismiss these symptoms or attribute them to other causes.

This can delay a diagnosis of colon cancer, allowing it to progress to more advanced stages.

Lack of Screening

Another reason why colon cancer goes undetected is the lack of screening. Screening for colon cancer involves tests such as a colonoscopy, which can detect the disease in its early stages when it is more treatable.

However, many people do not undergo screening for colon cancer, either because they are not aware of the importance of screening or because they are reluctant to undergo the procedure.

Screening for colon cancer is recommended for individuals over the age of 50, or earlier for individuals who have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

However, according to the American Cancer Society, only about 60% of individuals who should undergo screening for colon cancer actually do so. This means that many cases of colon cancer are not detected until they have progressed to more advanced stages.

Implications of Undetected Colon Cancer

The implications of undetected colon cancer can be severe. When colon cancer is detected at an early stage, it is highly treatable, and the survival rate is high.

However, when colon cancer goes undetected, it can progress to more advanced stages, making it more difficult to treat and reducing the chances of survival.

In addition to the health implications of undetected colon cancer, there are also economic implications.

Advanced cases of colon cancer require more extensive and costly treatments, and individuals with advanced colon cancer may need to take time off work for treatment, reducing their income and potentially impacting their ability to support themselves and their families.

Prevention and Early Detection

Preventing colon cancer and detecting it early are key to improving survival rates and reducing the economic and health implications of the disease. Some strategies for preventing colon cancer include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is low in red meat and processed foods
Getting regular exercise
Not smoking
Limiting alcohol consumption

In addition to these strategies, undergoing screening for colon cancer is crucial for early detection.

The American Cancer Society recommends regular colon cancer screening starting at age 50, or earlier for individuals with a family history of the disease or other risk factors. Talk to your doctor about the screening options available to you.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a common form of cancer that can go undetected, often until it has progressed to more advanced stages.

Lack of screening and delayed diagnosis are two key reasons why colon cancer goes undetected, and the implications of undetected colon cancer can be severe. However, by taking steps to prevent colon cancer and undergoing regular screening, we can improve survival rates and reduce the economic and health implications of this disease.