How common is King’s incidental cancer diagnosis?

King’s incidental cancer diagnosis refers to the scenario where a patient is diagnosed with cancer while being evaluated for a different medical condition. This type of diagnosis can come as a shock to the patient and healthcare providers alike, as it was not the primary reason for seeking medical attention.

Incidental cancer diagnoses are more common than one might think, with studies showing that up to 20% of cancer cases are diagnosed incidentally during unrelated medical procedures or tests. These can include imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, performed for other reasons, as well as biopsies or surgeries for unrelated conditions.

While incidental cancer diagnoses can be unexpected and distressing, they can also lead to earlier detection and treatment of the cancer, which can ultimately improve outcomes for the patient. It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in looking for signs of cancer, even when evaluating patients for seemingly unrelated issues.