17 Dec COVID-19 Caused Significant Disruption in Lung Cancer Screening

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Van Haren

Robert Van Haren, MD, MSPH
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all areas of society including the field of oncology. This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer screening.  Screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are important because they reduce lung cancer mortality by at least 20%.  Our lung cancer screening program was closed in March 2020 due to COVID 19 and reopened again in June 2020.  We cancelled over 800 LDCTs during that time period. 

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: After reopening, we found that new patients were less likely to get LDCT and more patients were likely to no-show for their LDCT.  Most importantly, we found increased number of lung nodules suspicious for lung cancer, and patients were more likely to be referred for biopsy or surgery 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: COVID-19 caused significant disruption in lung cancer screening, leading to a decrease in new patients screened and an increased nodules suspicious for cancer.  This analysis shows the unrecognized consequences related to the pandemic for screening programs and cancer care. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Future research should focus on the patient education to promote screening activities such are lung cancer LDCT and to ensure it is safely performed during the ongoing COVID pandemic. 

Disclosures: Dr. Van Haren discloses a consultant relationship with Intuitive Surgery 

Citation:

Robert M. Van Haren, Aaron M. Delman, Kevin M. Turner, Brandy Waits, Mona Hemingway, Shimul A. Shah, Sandra L. Starnes. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lung Cancer Screening Program and Subsequent Lung Cancer. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Dec. 17, 2020; DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.12.002

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Last Updated on December 17, 2020 by Marie Benz MD FAAD