The effect of the pandemic on colorectal cancer in the United States: An increased disease burden

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented global threat to healthcare systems, causing delays in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnoses. This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the presentation of cancer stages in the U.S.

Methods

Data from the national cancer database (2015–2020) were analyzed, categorizing patients into pre-COVID (2015–2019) and COVID (2020) groups for evaluation.

Results

In the COVID group, patients with colon cancer had a notably higher prevalence of Clinical stage IV disease at diagnosis, accompanied by an increased incidence of metastatic disease (Clinical stage IV C, 12.9% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed for rectal cancer (Clinical stage IV C, 2.2% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.001). Black patients, those with specific insurance status (Medicaid or not insured vs. private insurance), and patients in the COVID cohort were significantly associated with worse clinical stages in both colon and rectal cancer on multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

The impact of COVID-19 has led to a notable surge in advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses, with ongoing repercussions anticipated. Colorectal surgeons should devise strategies to address this issue and establish pandemic preparedness measures for future healthcare crises.