What Are Silent Cancers? Why Are They Often Diagnosed Too Late

When you think of cancer, the first thought that comes to your mind would be the warning signs like pain, lumps, or sudden weight loss. However, not all cancers announce their presence early, as some may grow quietly for years or even decades, causing little to no symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. These are known as silent cancers - and they are among the most dangerous precisely because they are so hard to detect early. Common examples of silent cancers include the pancreatic, ovarian, liver, kidney, and some breast or lung cancers, which would show vague symptoms, such as tiredness or bloating, that are easily dismissed as common ailments. Regular screenings are crucial for detecting these "hidden" cancers, as they often don't cause pain or noticeable

changes until they're harder to treat. Silent cancers develop without obvious or specific symptoms in their early stages. Since your body would not send clear warning signals, most people often would not seek either a medical opinion or go to the doctor until the disease progresses and spreads to other organs, giving out various kinds of signs. In many cases, you would get the symptoms only when the tumour grows large enough to interfere with nearby organs or bodily functions.

Why are silent cancers diagnosed late?

According to Science Direct, one of the major reasons for the late diagnosis of a few cancers is non-specific or mild symptoms. Early signs like fatigue, indigestion, bloating, back pain, or loss of appetite are easy to dismiss and can be attributed to stress, ageing, or even a few lifestyle issues. Since these symptoms are common, most people rarely connect them to something as serious as cancer. The National Institutes of Health in a study published in the journal Cancer Treatment and Research Communication says another key factor is the lack of routine screening tests for certain cancers. While breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers have established screening programs, and your doctor may also push you after a certain age and your risk factors, many silent cancers do not. For example, there is no widely recommended screening test for pancreatic or ovarian cancer in those without symptoms or known genetic risk. Additionally, silent cancers often affect deep or hidden organs. Tumours in organs like the pancreas or ovaries do not cause pain or any kind of discomfort since there are fewer pain-sensitive nerves in those areas. By the time you feel both, the cancer may already be advanced.

Who is at higher risk?

Even though silent cancer can affect anyone at any age, a few groups of people are at higher risk. These include:

• With a family history of cancer
• Those who smoke
• Those with diabetes or liver disease
• Obese or overweight people
• Those exposed to environmental toxins

Unfortunately, many people in high-risk groups may not undergo regular health check-ups, further delaying diagnosis.

Also read: Zydus Launches Affordable Cancer Drug Tishtha, Slashing Treatment Costs in India

Late diagnosis can be extremely dangerous

Macs Clinic advises everyone to be aware of any new symptoms that appear, even if they are unassuming. Let it be growth or swelling or weakness. Any symptom that has not been there before and does not subside within three weeks should be seen with suspicion. Any such symptom should warrant an investigation. Cancer outcomes depend heavily on how early the disease is detected, and so, when silent cancers are diagnosed late, treatment options become limited as surgery may not be possible, and therapies may focus more on prolonging life rather than curing the disease.

Can you detect silent cancers early?

Even though they may be difficult to detect, early diagnosis is the only way out. Make sure to pay attention to persistent, unexplained symptoms, even though they may seem minor; it is important. Also, going for regular health check-ups, imaging tests like CA125 when medically advised, and blood tests can sometimes catch abnormalities before symptoms become severe. The CA125 test measures levels of cancer antigen 125, a protein often elevated by ovarian cancer, but also by benign conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, and even normal processes like menstruation. Doctors use it primarily to monitor ovarian cancer treatment, check for recurrence, or investigate suspicious pelvic masses, rather than general screening, as high levels don't always mean cancer, and normal levels don't rule it out.