Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: An Emphasis on Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers originate in the GI track, ranging from the esophagus to rectum. Together, these cancers account for a quarter of cancer incidences and more than a third of cancer-related deaths. Of GI cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) comprises the largest of GI cancer incidence and death burden. Due to the vast array of GI cancers, the survival rate and risk factors vary. The COVID-19 pandemic began in early December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Originally the virus was reported to the World Health Organization as multiple cases of pneumonia. It was later found to be a novel strain of the coronavirus. Since December, there have been more than 28.3 million cases worldwide spread over 214 countries, and this number is consistently increasing. The main method of transmission of COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets, which has made it very difficult to contain. The incidence of COVID-19 is highest among the adult population with the median age of patients between 34 and 59. However, COVID is more likely to affect those with chronic comorbidities and immunosuppression, such as cancer. Due to the novelty of coronavirus and the vagueness of symptoms (cough, congestion, fever, nausea, vomiting), many clinics have stopped doing unnecessary procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies. This has led to a decrease in CRC detection and screening. Delayed screenings can be detrimental to the survival of patients with CRC. It has been shown that surgical delays greater than 7–8 weeks have resulted in lower survival rates. It is vital that medical professionals implement safety protocols and provide safe ways for patients to receive routine checkups.