Impact of the coronavirus disease epidemic on the diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer

In 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic led to limited medical practices, including endoscopic procedures, to prevent infection. This study aimed to clarify the effect of the epidemic on the diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer. We enrolled 113 patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer by colonoscopy at our institution from April 2018 to January 2021. Patients were classified into the non-COVID-19 period group (April 2019 to March 2020; n = 84) and the COVID-19 period group (April 2020 to January 2021; n = 29). The detection rate of advanced colorectal cancer in each group was 3.2% and 3.6% (not significant). Regarding the opportunity to perform endoscopy and the level of stenosis, no significant difference was found in all the items examined. In addition, no obvious adverse effects were observed due to restriction of endoscopic practice.