Colorectal cancer screening: what was the impact of COVID-19 pandemic during the first two years? Experience in a private ambulatory clinic

Óscar Teramoto-Matsubara, Clínica Gástrica, Centro Avanzado en Endoscopia y Estudios Funcionales; Práctica Médica de Gastroenterología, Centro Médico ABC; Ciudad de México, México
Sergio Sobrino-Cossío, Clínica Gástrica, Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal, Ciudad de México, México
Juan M. Abdo-Francis, Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Ángeles Acoxpa, Ciudad de México, México
Francisco J. De la Vega-González, Clínica Gástrica, Centro Avanzado en Endoscopia y Estudios Funcionales; Práctica Médica de Gastroenterología, Centro Médico ABC; Ciudad de México, México
Gualberto Mateos-Pérez, Clínica Gástrica, Centro Avanzado en Endoscopia y Estudios Funcionales; Servicio de Endoscopia, Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal. Ciudad de México, México

Background: COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. Objective: The care strategy was modified throughout the pandemic, this paper evaluates its impact and short-term consequences. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in a private ambulatory endoscopic center, in average risk subjects. The study compared two periods: pre-pandemic and pandemic (subdivided into pre-vaccination and vaccination). Results: During this period, 54.4% of scheduled colonoscopies were due to the screening program. The average age was 60.4 ± 7 years. Women were 52.0%. The overall cancellation rate was 41.1%, higher during pre-vaccination period. There were no differences in the degree of colonic cleansing, colonoscope exit time, and patient satisfaction. The adenoma detection rate (38.4% vs. 42.8% vs. 36.4%; p = 0.8) and the total number of adenomas (p = 0.02) was statistically significant during the pre-vaccination period. The rate of adenoma/patient showed a higher trend during this period (p = 0.06). The number of colorectal cancers was 10, without differences between periods. Conclusion: In conclusion, the impact of the decrease in screening colonoscopy procedures for CRC detection was similar to what was seen worldwide. In this period no increase in cancer cases, although this effect may be observed in the long term.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer screening. SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19. Adenoma detection rate.