Characteristics of colon cancer at time of presentation.

Abstract

The majority of patients with colon cancer are diagnosed when symptomatic. When colon cancer is diagnosed while still asymptomatic, it is more likely to be at an early stage. The most common screening procedure leading to diagnosis in asymptomatic patients is the identification of fecal occult blood. Colon cancer is more likely to be located in the cecum/ascending colon when diagnosed at an asymptomatic stage.