Cook Medical and ASGE: the value of a colonoscopy

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the volume and treatment options for physicians around the world. As a result, many healthcare facilities received recommendations to suspend elective medical procedures, which has made a dramatic impact on services like preventive cancer screenings.¹ In the United States alone, an analysis of electronic health record data from 39 health systems estimated that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening volumes decreased by 86% compared to screening volumes before the onset of the pandemic.² While screening rates continue to rise, they have not yet returned to historic levels.³

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) understands the value of colonoscopies and the role they play in the treatment of colorectal cancer. We’re proud to support their initiative to provide medical professionals and patients with resources to learn more about the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer, different screening methods, and other pertinent facts.

Sources

1. Gupta S, Lieberman D. Screening and surveillance colonoscopy and COVID-19: avoiding more casualties. Gastroenterology Web site. https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)34932-5/fulltext. Published July 16, 2020. Accessed March 3, 2021.
2. Delayed cancer screenings. Epic Health Research Network Web site. https://ehrn.org/articles/delays-in-preventive-cancer-screenings-during-covid-19-pandemic. Published May 4, 2020. Accessed March 3, 2021.
3. Delayed cancer screenings—a second look. Epic Health Research Network Web site. https://ehrn.org/articles/delayed-cancer-screenings-a-second-look/. Published July 17, 2020. Accessed March 3, 2021.