COVID-19-related screening delays could result in an 11.9 percent increase in colorectal cancer mortality across the globe, according to research presented at United European Gastroenterology Week Virtual 2020.
Pharmacy Times reported on the research that used a model to examine how COVID-19-related screening delays affected CRC mortality rates.
Researchers found that moderate delays in screening between seven and 12 months caused a 3 percent increase in mortality from advanced-stage CRC cases. A more than 12-month screening delay caused a 7 percent increase in mortality.
At five years, patients with stage 3 or 4 CRC had an 11.9 percent increase in morality when screening programs were suspended for more than 12 months.
Luigi Ricciardiello, MD, lead study author, said in a press release, "Healthcare authorities need to act urgently on how they reorganize activities during COVID-19, without compromising the diagnosis of other high-impact diseases like this research shows."
More articles on surgery centers:
10 most-read ASC stories — How ASC leaders are thinking about a COVID-19 vaccine
Mayo Clinic in Wisconsin implements COVID-19-related visitor restrictions
Pennsylvania health system activates surge plan for mounting COVID-19 cases