Advanced-stage colorectal cancer in the context of coronavirus disease-19, highlighting socioeconomic disparities and outcomes: a case report

This case underscores the critical role of timely colorectal cancer screening and follow-up in preventing late-stage presentations, particularly among African Americans, who already face a disproportionate burden of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Socioeconomic barriers, compounded by disruptions during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, were key contributors to the patient's delayed diagnosis and subsequent poor outcome. This highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to improve healthcare access, including patient navigation programs, policy changes to expand insurance coverage, and community outreach initiatives to increase awareness about the importance of screening. In addition, early and consistent communication of family cancer history, even involving second-degree relatives, may impact surveillance schedules. This case is also of relevance to the general population as the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic-associated colorectal cancer screening delays affected all populations and as such, preventative strategies need to be put in place to address missed screenings and diagnoses.