Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

Introduction: One of the main clusters of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been identified in Italy. Following European and local guidelines, Italian endoscopy units modulated their activity. We aimed at analyzing the need and safety to continue selective colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) colonoscopies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: We carried out a retrospective controlled cohort study in our COVID-free hospital to compare data of the CRCS colonoscopies of the lockdown period (March 9 to May 4, 2020) with those of the same period of 2019 (control group). A pre/post endoscopic sanitary surveillance for COVID-19 infection was organized for patients and sanitary staff. Results: In the lockdown group, 60 of 137 invited patients underwent endoscopy, whereas in the control group, 238 CRCS colonoscopies (3.9-fold) were performed. In the lower number of examinations during the lockdown, we found more colorectal cancers (5 cases; 8% vs. 3 cases; 1%; P = .002). The high-risk adenomas detection rate was also significantly higher in the lockdown group than in controls (47% vs. 25%; P = .001). A multiple regression analysis selected relevant symptoms (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1), familiarity (HR, 1.99), and lockdown period (HR, 2.2) as independent predictors of high-risk lesions (high-risk adenomas and colorectal cancer). No COVID-19 infections were reported among staff and patients. Conclusions: The overall adherence to CRCS decreased during the pandemic, but the continuation of CRCS colonoscopies was efficacious and safe. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients receiving colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies decreased, but more cases of colorectal cancer and high-risk adenomas were found during the lockdown period. Multiple regression analysis identified relevant symptoms, family history, and lockdown period as independent predictors of high-risk lesions. No COVID-19 infections were reported among staff and patients.