Cancer is a serious medical condition that can go undetected for years. While it can be difficult to answer this question definitively, it is possible to have cancer for four years without knowing.
Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer can present a variety of symptoms that can be hard to spot. Depending on the type of cancer, symptoms can range from fatigue and weight loss to coughing and bloody urine. Some cancers do not present any symptoms at all, making them difficult to detect.
Diagnosing Cancer
If a person is exhibiting symptoms of cancer, a doctor will likely order tests and scans to determine if cancer is present. If the initial tests do not show any signs of cancer, the doctor may order further tests and scans to rule out the possibility of cancer.
Latent Cancer
In some cases, a person may have cancer without showing any symptoms. This is known as latent cancer and is often not detected until the cancer has spread and become more advanced. In some cases, people can have latent cancer for several years before it is detected.
Conclusion
It is possible to have cancer for four years without knowing, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. If someone is exhibiting any of the symptoms of cancer, they should seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment of cancer can greatly improve a person's prognosis.