Potential Association Between COVID-19 Infections and the Declining Incidence of Lung Cancers

Abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on global health and has prompted many studies exploring its effects on various diseases. Recent reports suggest a possible correlation between COVID-19 infection and decreased incidence of lung cancers. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by examining whether there is a significant association between COVID-19 infection and reduced lung cancer cases. Material and Methods A retrospective study of medical records from Clinic Lüdenscheid, Germany, was conducted from 1st January, 2018, to 31th December 2021. Data included lung cancer diagnoses during these time periods; the number of lung cancer cases as the initial diagnosis before and during COVID-19 appearance was identified and compared. Patient demographic characteristics and lung cancer stage were also assessed. Results A total of 523 patients with suspected lung cancers were examined at Märkische Clinics Health Holding Ltd., Clinic Lüdenscheid, Witten/Herdecke University in Germany during 1st January 2018 and 31th December 2021. Among them, 269 (51.43%) patients were during the pre-COVID (2018 and 2019) years, and 254 (48.57%) were during the COVID (2020 and 2021) years. There were 309 (59.08%) more men than women affected by lung cancers, without a statistical difference. The people affected with lung cancers were about one and a half years younger in the COVID years, without statistical difference. Remarkably, more patients in lung cancer stage IVB were found in the COVID years, with a statistical difference (P = 0.0431). Conclusion This retrospective study contributes valuable insights into the decline in the number of lung cancers, although without statistical significance, and the increase in the number of advanced cancer stages during the COVID years with statistical significance.