While early diagnosis of cancer can increase the chance of cure, the consequences of late diagnosis can be serious.
Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer is important. When symptoms are noticed or there are risk factors, regular health checks should be performed and a specialist should be consulted.
Here are the possible consequences of being late in cancer
Advanced stage disease:
Cancer often progresses if not diagnosed early. As the disease progresses, treatment options and chances of success may decrease.
Treatment difficulties:
As cancer progresses, treatment options may become more complex. Aggressive treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be required more frequently.
Metastasis:
Cancers diagnosed late have a higher tendency to spread. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, and this is called metastasis. Metastasis makes treatment more difficult and increases the risk of the disease spreading.
Shortening of lifespan:
Cancers diagnosed late are often more difficult and complex to treat. In this case, the patient’s life expectancy may be shortened and the prognosis often worsens.
Disease progression:
In cancers diagnosed late, the disease may progress faster and symptoms may become more pronounced. In this case, the patient’s quality of life may be negatively affected.
Emotional effects:
Cancers diagnosed late can cause emotional strain for both the patient and his/her close circle. This situation may negatively affect the patient and his family psychologically.
