The Influence of COVID-19 on New Lung Cancer Diagnoses, by Stage and Treatment, in Northern Italy

Simple Summary COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on new cancer diagnoses and the treatment of cancer patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on newly diagnosed lung cancer, particularly on the stage of the disease. This study documented a decrease in stage I and an increase in stage III. Additionally, a decrease in surgery was observed which was balanced by the increase in chemotherapy. Comparing the 2019-2020 trends with the previous 18 years, a decrease in the incidence in males and an increase in females was observed; mortality unfortunately follows the same trends. More than half of cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, so this work highlights how crucial primary prevention is, even during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on new cancer diagnoses. This study aims to evaluate the implications of the lockdown period on new lung cancer diagnoses in northern Italy. We compared 2020 with 2019 cancer registry data, reporting the variations by age, stage, and treatments. In 2020, 303 lung cancer cases were registered, 21 fewer than in 2019. Cases fell in men (-31 patients, 9.6%) but not in women (+10 patients, +3.1%). A significant drop in stage I from 19.8% to 12.9% (p < 0.05) and an increase in stage III (12.7% vs. 19.1%; p < 0.05) was observed. Histological confirmation dropped (70.1% vs. 60.1%; p < 0.05) while cytology increased (12% vs. 20.8%; p < 0.01). Surgery declined (28.7% vs. 21.5%; p < 0.05) but increased in stage III (19.5% vs. 25.9%; p = 0.46), while chemotherapy increased (17.6% vs. 34.3%; p < 0.01) for all stages. During the pandemic, new lung cancer diagnoses dropped only in men. The reorganization of health services has ensured a decrease in surgical interventions (due to the unavailability of operating rooms) counterbalanced by an increase in chemotherapy.

Automated summary

COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected new cancer diagnoses. This study evaluates the impact of the lockdown period on newly diagnosed lung cancer in northern Italy. It compares the 2020 and 2019 cancer registry data, highlighting the variations in age, stage, and treatments. The study finds a decrease in lung cancer cases in men, a decrease in stage I cases and an increase in stage III cases.