how serious is colon cancer

Colon cancer is a serious disease with a wide range of severity depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed. It can be life-threatening, but it is also highly curable if found early. The prognosis varies significantly: early-stage colon cancer has much better survival rates, with over 90% of patients surviving five years or more after diagnosis, while advanced stages have significantly lower survival rates, sometimes as low as 10-13%. The cancer can spread (metastasize), most commonly to the liver and lungs, which worsens the outlook. Regular screenings and early detection are critical for improving survival chances. Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and its impact is influenced by many factors including age, stage of disease, and treatment received.