Client:

Login Register
Contact us

COVID-19’s Impact on Lung Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

September 8, 2021 by Employers Health Team

In 2020, many Americans delayed seeing their doctors due to the pandemic. As a result, important tests, like lung cancer screenings, declined by more than 50% from the previous year.¹ Those who delayed screenings and are diagnosed with lung cancer at a late stage could potentially have a lower five-year survival rate.²

It’s important to recognize the signs of lung cancer and visit their doctors to discuss their symptoms. An unexplained, persistent cough lasting more than three weeks is an example of a symptom of lung cancer that people should be aware of.³ With lung cancer being the deadliest cancer for both men and women,4 reinforcing the importance of regular doctor checkups and screenings can help increase the chance of survival.

Please utilize and share the resources linked below with your employees to help them identify the signs of lung cancer and understand the importance of regular screenings and early detection.

Importance of Detecting Lung Cancer Early (002) (PDF)

GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer

American Cancer Society’s – Lung Cancer Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention

CDC’s Lung Cancer Awareness

Download Article

References

1. Patt D, Gordan L, Diaz M, et al. The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care: how the pandemic is delaying cancer diagnosis and treatment for American seniors. JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics. doi: 10.1200/CCI.20.00134

2. American Lung Association. State of lung cancer 2020 key findings. November 17, 2020. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer/key-findings

3. Global Lung Cancer Coalition. COVID-19 and lung cancer symptoms – know the difference. January 2021. Accessed March 22, 2021. http://www.lungcancercoalition.org/uploads/news/GLCC%20Lung%20cancer%20and%20Covid-19%20Factsheet%20Final_EN.pdf

4. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Accessed April 29, 2021. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2021/cancer-facts-and-figures-2021.pdf


Related Resources

Alexis Sova, PharmD

‘Weighing’ the Risks and Benefits of Obesity Coverage

Obesity continues to be one of the most debated topics among plan sponsors. The question...

Learn More
Madison Connor, J.D., CEBS

The State of Pharmacy Benefits Legislation: 2025 in Review

This past year, states continued to pass comprehensive pharmacy benefit legislation focused on pharmacy reimbursements,...

Learn More
Madison Connor, J.D., CEBS

ERISA Fiduciary Litigation Update – A Second Johnson & Johnson Dismissal

Last week, a federal district court dismissed the plaintiff employees’ breach of fiduciary duty claims...

Learn More

Subscribe For Updates

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive our monthly eNotes, e-newsletter, health benefits event info and more.