COVID-19 sees decreased lung cancer diagnoses and use of support services in US

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted lung cancer in multiple ways: rates of cancer diagnosis and treatment has decreased, as has the utilisation of patient support services [1].

The GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer is an organisation founded by patients and survivors of lung cancer that aims to save, extend, and improve the lives of those with lung cancer. They have nearly 800 centres throughout the US and provide screening, education, and support services. They conduct annual surveys to provide both qualitative and quantitative data about the journey of patients with lung cancer. In 2020, additional questions were added to assess the impact of COVID-19 on this journey. Ms Rashmi Acharya (GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, USA) presented the survey findings.

Among the 27 centres that responded to the survey, 60% noted a decrease in the number of new lung cancer diagnoses during the pandemic as compared with 2019. Centres consistently expressed concern that patients with lung cancer would experience delayed diagnosis and/or treatment due to the pandemic.

In 2020, the support helpline offered by the foundation reported a 35% decrease in call volume. The average change in helpline usage between quarters 1 and 2 in 2018 and 2019 was 3%; in 2020, there was a 13% decrease in helpline usage during this same period.

There was also a considerable decrease in the number of requests from healthcare providers for printed educational materials; requests in 2020 were down by 38% as compared with the previous year.

The researchers concluded that these findings highlight the impact that COVID-19 has had, and is continuing to have, on patients with lung cancer. They further stated that these data are important to help prepare for the post-pandemic period.

1. Acharyha R. Impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer care and utilisation of patient support resources. MA 05.02, WCLC 2021, 8–14 September.

 

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Posted on 21 September 2021