Impact of COVID-19 on Colorectal Cancer Screening
Author Information
Author(s): Kumar Vinod, Golzarri-Arroyo Lilian, Roth Sarah, Imperiale Thomas F.
Primary Institution: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect colorectal cancer screening trends?
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer screening declined during the pandemic but rebounded in 2021.
Supporting Evidence
- Colonoscopy volume declined by 18.7% in 2020 compared to 2019.
- Non-invasive tests declined by 21.9% in 2020 but increased in 2021.
- Incident colorectal cancers declined in 2020 but rebounded in 2021.
Takeaway
The COVID-19 pandemic made it harder for people to get checked for colon cancer, but more people started getting checked again in 2021.
Methodology
Retrospective time-trend analysis of screening tests for colorectal cancer from January 2019 to June 2021.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of colonoscopy volume due to not examining adherence to diagnostic colonoscopies for positive non-invasive tests.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific urban area and may not represent trends in other regions.
Participant Demographics
Data from two large university-affiliated health systems in central Indiana.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI, 0.82–3.20
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website