Colon cancer screening in times of COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has a lasting influence on the healthcare landscape particularly in Germany, even though this crisis has currently been effectively managed. Patient visits to primary care physicians as well as to specialists and admissions to hospitals have been significantly reduced with the possible effect of reduced early diagnosis and treatment. Colon cancer screening has been on the increase for many years but now in the pandemic numerous screening colonoscopies have been cancelled. Now more than ever in the declining phase of the pandemic the public should be aware that the nationwide invitation procedure for colon cancer screening should be taken seriously because prevention of colon cancer also saves numerous lives.