A new study suggests that postponing because of the pandemic may be life-threatening

At the onset of COVID-19, hospitals were forced to postpone all elective procedures, like screening colonoscopies, as a precautionary measure to protect people from a perceived risk of exposure to the virus. Since then, many people have not yet rescheduled this lifesaving screening.

A recent study published in the Lancelet Oncology looked at how the pandemic has impacted the rate of colorectal cancer deaths. The findings are alarming. They reveal that when diagnostic tests and procedures are delayed, there is a significant increase in avoidable cancer deaths.

In the study, delays in colonoscopy screenings since March 2020 have resulted in a 15-16% increase in colorectal cancer deaths.

This corroborates the Colon Cancer Alliance’s determination that 80% of all colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented with a screening.

We have learned much about COVID-19 since March 2020 and have changed how we provide healthcare services so that people can safely resume diagnostic screenings like colonoscopies.

It is now more critical than ever that you schedule your colonoscopy – especially if you have postponed it. The numbers prove that the pandemic has taken too many additional lives. Let us help you save yours.

[For the full study, visit: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30388-0/fulltext]