Cancer that is diagnosed before it has had the chance to spread throughout the body is more likely to be treated successfully. Simply put, detecting and treating cancer as early as possible saves lives, which makes it essential not to delay action if you've been diagnosed. Whether it's chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a bone marrow transplant, here are three crucial problems with delaying treatment after a cancer diagnosis.

1. Delaying Cancer Treatment Allows Disease to Progress

Cancer cells don't act like normal cells, growing and dividing out of control instead of dying when they're supposed to. Worse still, they continue to need a blood supply for oxygen and nutrients to stay alive.

As they divide, tumors develop and grow, obtaining more and more oxygen and nutrients from the surrounding blood vessels. The cancer cells signal the tumor to develop new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis, and the growing tumor can start to spread to nearby tissues without treatment.

Most cancers tend to spread to certain parts of the body, which has helped doctors develop staging systems that identify how far along a disease has progressed. Cancer can spread anywhere, but it's most likely to proliferate the lymph nodes and the liver, worsening a patient's condition.

2. The Cost of Medical Care Rises

Doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals working with cancer patients are specialists who have studied for years in their field, which means they have a unique range of knowledge and skills that often translate to high compensation. But the real cost of treating cancer depends on numerous factors, including where the patient is, the patient's insurance plan, the type of cancer diagnosed, and how far along the cancer has progressed.

A cancer patient's financial burden can be staggering, often responsible for tens of thousands just for the initial round of care. If the disease has been allowed to progress from delayed treatment, though, the costs only get worse. Creating a financial strategy can help with planning and preparing to pay for cancer treatment.

3. Delayed Cancer Treatment Increases Mortality Risk

While specific rates vary, all cancer patients stand the best chance of surviving their diagnosis with early treatment.

It's understandable when worry leads someone to put off speaking with a doctor, but the fact is that cancer is a very serious condition. Delaying treatment even by a few weeks increases the risk of mortality. For example, researchers who have explored this topic noted that delaying treatment a month could increase the risk of death by 10%.

Ideally, new cancer patients should be seen for a consultation about treatment as soon as possible. The oncologist can speak in-depth about all the potential treatment and payment options.

Unlike transportation, medical care works best when it's done fast. Speed to care is a huge factor in saving lives, especially in the case of life-threatening conditions like cancer. The sooner you start treatment after a diagnosis, the better your chances of a positive prognosis will be. Contact your doctor right away to figure out which treatment option is best for your cancer and when you can start the treatments.