Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the detection and management of colorectal cancer in England: a population-based study
This research estimates there was a relative reduction of 22% in the number of colorectal cancer cases referred for treatment from April to October 2020, and that more than 3500 fewer people than in 2019 were diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer in England.
Source:
The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology
SPS commentary:
An accompanying comment notes that primary care is now better prepared; urgent diagnostic colonoscopy has been restored and faecal immunochemical tests widely implemented for triage of symptomatic patients. However it questions whether cancer services can really be protected in the face of acute pressure on capacity.