How common is King’s incidental cancer diagnosis?

Incidental cancer diagnosis refers to the discovery of cancer during a medical procedure or test that was not originally intended to diagnose cancer. This can happen during routine screenings, such as mammograms or colonoscopies, or during unrelated medical procedures.

Studies have shown that incidental cancer diagnosis is more common than many people realize. In fact, a study conducted at King’s College Hospital in London found that approximately 1 in 20 patients undergoing surgery for a non-cancer related issue were found to have an incidental cancer diagnosis.

This highlights the importance of regular screenings and thorough medical evaluations, as they can help catch cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. It also underscores the need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in looking for signs of cancer, even when it is not the primary reason for a patient’s visit.