Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Colorectal and Prostate Cancer Screening in a Large U.S. Health System

During the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, prevention measures included quarantining and facility closures. Because cancer screening is dependent on interventions in facilities, the extent of the COVID-19 impact on screening was questioned. A claims registry from a large health system was queried for colorectal and prostate cancer screening. A screening gap and screening loss ratio were calculated by comparing 2020 screening to historical reference years. All cancer screenings decreased in the first four months of the pandemic. Colorectal cancer screening returned to baseline in the latter six months of 2020. Prostate cancer screening exceeded baseline in the latter six months, but with a lesser gain than previous years. Populations disproportionately affected by decreased cancer screening included men and black people. To catch-up after the initial deficit in screening, it is estimated that the rate of colorectal cancer screening needs to increase by 50%.

Automated summary

COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on cancer screening, especially in the early stages. Cancer screening rates decreased during the initial months of the pandemic and partially recovered later, although with smaller gains compared to previous years. Men and black people were disproportionately affected. It is estimated that the rate of colorectal cancer screening needs to increase by 50% to make up for the initial deficit.