Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Waves on Colorectal Cancer Stage Migration and Diagnostic Delays

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Waves on Colorectal Cancer Stage Migration and Diagnostic Delays

Background/Objectives: The incidence of colorectal cancer in Hungary exceeds the EU (European Union) average, and the cancer mortality rate is also among the highest in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various areas of healthcare, including cancer diagnosis and treatment. Due to the measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, not only newly suspected cancer patients but also those already diagnosed and undergoing treatment faced numerous difficulties. Methods: The study included 198 patients with colorectal cancer, of whom 43 participants were newly diagnosed cases. Due to low case numbers in certain COVID-19 waves, adjacent waves were merged for statistical analysis. The number of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases across COVID-19 waves was compared using one-way ANOVA, stage distribution differences and the proportion of missed treatments were assessed with Fisher's exact test. In follow-up patients, changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Differences in tumor size categories were examined using chi-square tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with suspected or confirmed colorectal cancer
• Patients examined by MRI at Szent Margit Hospital
• MRI referral issued between September 2020 and December 2023

Exclusion Criteria:

• MRI referrals not issued by Szent Margit Hospital