2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP03.01-008. Shift in Lung Cancer Stage at Diagnosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City

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This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stage at which lung cancer is diagnosed in New York City. The researchers analyzed data from Mount Sinai's cancer registry, including 1,884 patients with lung cancer. They compared the number of monthly lung cancer cases in 2020 and 2021 to the average number of cases in 2018 and 2019. They also compared the percentage of early stage (0/I/II) and late stage (III/IV) lung cancer diagnoses in each month to the average percentage in 2018 and 2019.<br /><br />The findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on lung cancer diagnosis. During the spring of 2020, when a "pause" on elective procedures was introduced, there was a sharp decrease in early stage lung cancer diagnoses. This suggests that reduced cancer screening rates and delayed care and treatment contributed to the shift in lung cancer stage at diagnosis. Additionally, during the winter of 2021, when COVID-19 cases sharply increased, there was another decrease in early stage diagnoses.<br /><br />The study suggests that the increase in late stage lung cancer diagnoses during the pandemic may reflect the fact that only sick patients with symptoms sought hospital attention. This could lead to an increase in lung cancer mortality in the future as a consequence of the stage shift at diagnosis associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.<br /><br />Overall, this descriptive analysis highlights the immediate negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on lung cancer diagnoses. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining cancer screening and timely access to care during a pandemic to minimize the long-term effects on cancer outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Emanuela Taioli

Meta Tag

Speaker Emanuela Taioli

Topic Epidemiology

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic

lung cancer diagnosis

New York City

Mount Sinai's cancer registry

patients with lung cancer

monthly lung cancer cases

early stage lung cancer

late stage lung cancer

cancer screening rates

COVID-19 restrictions