Colon Cancer Location Affects Patient Survival Rate, study finds

A new study suggests the location of colon cancer may affect patient survival. An oncologist who reviewed the findings explained that the issue is related to left-sided and right-sided colon cancers. Dr. David Bernstein stated since left-sided cancers are located closer to the end GI tract, patients seek medical care earlier because they can cause obstructions. But the right-sided lesions are located near the junction between the large and small intestine. These cancers are more associated with metastatic disease, and not an obstruction that can discomforting. Since left-sided cancers are detected earlier in their progression, patients have a better prognosis than right-sided colon cancer patients.