APPENDICURE

Yesterday, I shared a groundbreaking new study about a simple, pre-operative way to identify appendix cancer using two routine tests that nearly every appendicitis patient already receives:
a blood test ratio (LMR) and the diameter of the appendix on CT scan.
These two markers together can increase the suspicion of a hidden tumor by 18×.
(Study link: Korkmaz et al., 2025)

That alone felt like a huge moment for our community.

But then—this morning—another brand-new study landed in my Google Alerts, and the timing could not be more powerful.
This one came out of six hospitals across the United States, analyzing more than 1,800 appendicitis patients, including those treated with non-operative management (antibiotics).

And once again, the message is unmistakable:

Appendix cancer is being missed. And we must change how the world thinks about appendicitis.

Two Different Studies, One Clear Truth

Study #1 (November 23rd’s Blog Post):

LMR + CT Appendix Diameter Can Predict Hidden Tumors** November 23rd’s Blog Post
This study showed:

• LMR > 3.8 → higher cancer risk
  
• Appendix > 14mm → higher cancer risk
  
• Both together → 18× higher chance the appendix contains a tumor

These are simple, cheap, routine tests that could revolutionize early detection if physicians start using them as red flags.

Study #2:

Real-World Data From Six U.S. Hospitals Shows 1.3% Tumor Rate—And Raises Questions About Antibiotic-Only Treatment** Boston University Study Details

This second study confirms something survivors have known for years:

• About 1.3% of appendectomies contain a tumor
  
• Some subtypes (like adenocarcinoma and LAMN) carry high mortality if found late
  
• Appendiceal cancer incidence has been rising, especially in younger adults
  
• With the growing popularity of non-operative management (NOM) for appendicitis, the medical community risks missing these tumors entirely

Even in high-quality randomized trials, tumors still appeared in both surgery and antibiotic-only groups.

And because NOM patients never have their appendix removed, the risk of a hidden tumor staying hidden is very real.

Why These Two Studies Together Are a Turning Point

For the first time, we have:

1️⃣ A way to predict hidden tumors BEFORE surgery

(LMR + CT diameter)

2️⃣ Large-scale U.S. data confirming the real-world tumor rate and NOM risks

Together, they paint a compelling, urgent picture:

Appendicitis is not always “just appendicitis.”
Appendix cancer is under-diagnosed.
And we now have tools to detect it earlier.

This is exactly the kind of evidence our advocacy community has been waiting for.

Why Appendix Cancer Survivors Must Be the Ones to Share This

YOU know the truth the world doesn’t:

• Many tumors are missed on first presentation
  
• Many patients were told their appendicitis was “routine”
  
• Many of you found cancer only after rupture
  
• Many endured delays that changed your entire treatment path
  
• Your voices have power because you lived the consequences of late detection.

When you share this information:

• Doctors pay attention
  
• Patients ask the right questions
  
• ER teams reconsider their workflows
  
• Researchers fight harder for funding
  
• Institutions rethink NOM protocols
  
• And one day… someone’s tumor will be caught early because YOU spoke up
  
• Appendix cancer advocacy has always faced a challenge:

It’s rare, but appendicitis is not.

These two studies bring those worlds together in a way that finally makes sense to the medical community.

What You Can Do Today

Here’s how you can turn these back-to-back studies into real-world impact:

✔️ Share this post

Your audience already cares. They will help amplify it.

✔️ Tell people

“There are now two evidence-based ways to better detect appendix cancer earlier.”

✔️ Send these studies to your doctors

Especially GI specialists, colorectal surgeons, ER physicians, and primary care providers.

✔️ Advocate for follow-up imaging after antibiotic-only treatment

Especially in adults over 40.

✔️ Push for LMR and appendix diameter to be evaluated during appendicitis workups

These are available right now, with no added cost.

We Have Momentum — Let’s Use It

It is extremely rare for two major studies in our field to surface within 24 hours.

That tells me one thing:

The world is finally starting to pay attention.

Appendix cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates hold the key to taking this moment and turning it into real change….

Let’s keep the pressure on.
Let’s share this widely.
Let’s push for early detection.
And let’s keep moving toward the funding and research our community deserves.