Many diseases start years before they manifest clinically. Type 2 diabetes can be present for 5 – 10 years on average before being diagnosed due to the slow progression and subtle early symptoms. Heart disease can take decades to develop due to the slow build up of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. It is often not diagnosed until chest pain, heart attack, or stroke occur. Changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer disease may begin 10 to 20 years before any signs of cognitive decline appear. Depending on the cancer type, it may take over 10 years for the malignant tumors to manifest. Colorectal cancer can develop over 10 to 15 years from initial benign polyps to symptomatic stage.

These timelines underscore the importance of proactive health monitoring and early intervention. By utilizing proteomic analysis, we may detect early markers of disease, allowing for timely interventions as well as provide risk assessment for other ailments that, with proper strategy, can be managed allowing individuals to live a longer, healthier life.