A recent study revealed that delaying the start of bowel cancer treatment after diagnosis may increase the risk of disease spread and reduce patients' chances of survival, emphasizing the importance of rapid medical intervention
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine found that patients who wait more than a month and a half to begin treatment, which usually includes surgery and chemotherapy, face a 55% higher risk of cancer spreading compared to those who begin treatment earlier.
The study showed that the delay poses a particular risk to patients who need chemotherapy before surgery to shrink tumors, as delaying medical intervention may make it more difficult to control the disease.
The researchers analyzed data from 11,927 American patients over the age of 40, newly diagnosed with non-metastatic bowel cancer, with an average age of 70, all of whom underwent surgery to treat the cancer.
During the three-year follow-up period, the disease progressed to metastasis in 12.1% of participants. Compared to patients who started combination therapy within three days of diagnosis, the risk of cancer metastasis increased by 27% in those who delayed treatment between four and 46 days, while the risk increased by 55% in those who waited 47 days or more.
For patients who received chemotherapy before surgery, the results showed that a delay in starting treatment of 68 days or more was associated with a nearly threefold increased risk of disease spread.
The researchers explained that the study, which included American patients with health insurance, indicates that delays in seeking care can lead to the worsening of some conditions or patients receiving incomplete care. Experts added that the findings do not suggest a fixed timeframe for sudden disease changes, but they do underscore the importance of starting treatment as early as possible.
Despite the seriousness of bowel cancer, it is one of the most treatable diseases when detected early. Cancer Research UK estimates that around 54% of cases are preventable through a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
