Researchers created a two-step procedural model that considered the delays in time to coloscopy and estimated the impact of on mortality because of up-staging of patients. Data from the Italian screened population was used to compute the number of expected CRC cases. A meta-analytic approach was used to assess the estimates of the effects of delays to colonoscopy on CRC stage and of stage on mortality.

Screening delays lasting beyond 12 months due to SARS-C0VID-2 would significantly increase advanced colorectal cancer cases and mortality according to results presented at the UEG Week Virtual Press Briefing by
 Luigi Ricciardiello, MD.

See the article here: Ricciardiello L. Estimated effects of screening delays due to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on colorectal cancer mortality. Presented at: UEG Week Virtual Press Briefing; Oct. 9, 2020.