Surgery for stage I-III colon cancer performed within 48 days of diagnosis significantly improves 5-year survival compared to later procedures.

• Five-year overall survival rates were 77% for early surgery (14-48 days), 73% for middle (49-69 days), and 67% for late surgery (70-90 days).
• Delayed surgery showed a 30% higher hazard of death in the middle interval and a 60% increase in the late interval, indicating a clear survival disadvantage.

Surgeons should prioritize timely surgical intervention and consider proactive scheduling to enhance outcomes in colon cancer patients.