Introduction:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus disease 2019, a highly contagious sickness. Fever, coughing, shortness of breath, exhaustion, body pains, sore throats, loss of taste or smell, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and chest pain, are among the symptoms that are frequently present. It is crucial to remember that some virus-infected individuals may not show any symptoms or only show minor ones. Depending on the area, the healthcare system, and the pandemic stage at a particular time, COVID-19's effects on colorectal cancer may differ. It is critical to be informed and adhere to the recommendations made by healthcare administrators and medical specialists as the situation changes.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
A malignant tumor called colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, which are both parts of the digestive system. It typically starts as a polyp, a little growth on the rectum's or colon's inner lining, and over time, it can turn cancerous. Because it may not present with obvious signs in the early stages, colorectal cancer frequently goes undiscovered. But if the condition worsens, symptoms like altered bowel patterns, blood in the stool, stomach pain, and unexpected weight loss may appear. Age, a family history of the disease, a diet high in processed meats and low in fiber, obesity, smoking, and some inherited disorders are all risk factors for colorectal cancer. Timely diagnosis requires early detection through screening procedures like colonoscopies. Depending on the cancer's stage and spread, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Regular screenings and living a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer and improve outcomes for those who are affected.
What Is the Impact of COVID-19 on Colorectal Cancer?
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Psychological Impact: The pandemic has affected people psychologically, particularly cancer patients. Patients with colorectal cancer have experienced a decline in their mental health as a result of isolation, fear, and worry caused by COVID-19. Counseling and support services have been essential in assisting patients in overcoming these obstacles.
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Research and Clinical Trials: During the epidemic, several academic institutions and clinical trial facilities focused their attention on understanding and battling COVID-19. As a result, certain ongoing clinical trials for colorectal cancer may have been postponed or briefly stopped. The development of potential improvements in the treatment of colorectal cancer may have been slowed down by this interruption.
What Are the Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests?
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Colonoscopy. While the patient is unconscious, a colonoscopy enables the doctor to view the whole rectum and colon. To check for polyps or cancer, a colonoscope, an adaptable, illuminated tube, is introduced into the rectum and the entire colon. The removal of polyps can also help to prevent colorectal cancer. During this treatment, a doctor may remove polyps or other tissue for evaluation.
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Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible, illuminated tube is placed into the lower colon and rectum during a sigmoidoscopy to look for polyps, cancer, and other anomalies.
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Stool DNA tests: For the purpose of detecting cancer, this test examines a person's feces sample's DNA. To determine whether a colonoscopy is necessary, it utilizes DNA alterations that take place in polyps and malignancies.
What Is the Impact of COVID-19 on Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs?
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Disruption of Services: Many healthcare facilities discontinued or curtailed non-essential services, including colorectal cancer screening, in order to prioritize resources for COVID-19 response and lower the risk of virus transmission. There was a fall in screening rates as a result of screening programs like colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and fecal-based tests frequently being postponed or discontinued.
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Decline in Screening Rates: The number of people having colorectal cancer screening has significantly decreased as a result of the pandemic's disruptions. Many people have delayed or skipped their routine screenings because they are afraid to go to hospitals, they are worried that they might have been exposed to COVID-19, or they are having trouble getting to the screenings because of the logistics of lockdowns and limitations.
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Delayed Diagnosis: Because fewer people are getting screened, colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated later. Delaying screenings could lead to a false diagnosis of precancerous polyps or early-stage malignancies, which could lead to the diagnosis of the disease at a more advanced stage.
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Increased Cancer Burden: The epidemic has probably contributed to an increase in the burden of cancer due to delayed detection and potential advancement of colorectal cancer. This could result in more cases that are in an advanced stage and possibly worse patient outcomes.
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Backlog of Screening Procedures: As healthcare systems gradually recover from the pandemic, there may be a backlog of postponed screening procedures that need to be rescheduled. Clearing this backlog and returning to normal screening volumes may require additional resources, increased capacity, and efficient planning.
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Telehealth and Alternative Screening Options: To adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, healthcare providers have increasingly adopted telehealth services and alternative screening options. Virtual consultations and telemedicine have been used to assess patients remotely and provide guidance on screening options. Additionally, at-home testing kits, like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), have been promoted to encourage screening participation.
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Emphasis on Public Awareness: Efforts have been made to raise public awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, especially during the pandemic. Educational campaigns, public service announcements, and targeted messaging aim to inform individuals about the benefits of screening and the safety measures implemented by healthcare facilities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
It is significant to emphasize that different locations and healthcare systems may see varied effects of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer screening programs. It is of the utmost importance for people to speak with their healthcare providers and stay current on the suggested screening recommendations in their local communities as the situation changes and healthcare services recover.
Conclusion:
Given that the restrictions put in place due to the high prevalence of COVID-19 disease and the lack of referrals due to the fear of contracting COVID-19 infection are what caused the reduction in colorectal cancer screening following the COVID-19 pandemic, compensating for the decline and preventing the continuation of this decreasing trend requires serious and effective interventions to maintain the capacity of screening services during the COVID-19 crisis, increase the capacity of screening facilities, and centers. Receiving colorectal cancer screening may increase with a digital health strategy that enables individuals to "self-order" tests. Future studies should pinpoint strategies for incorporating comparable treatments into clinical care.
