Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Volumes and Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cancer screening,1-3 with multistate data reporting reductions in breast, colon, and cervical cancer screenings but not reporting on lung cancer screening (LCS).4 In late April 2020, the Radiological Society of North America COVID-19 Task Force suggested postponing nonurgent outpatient imaging, including LCS.3 Also in April 2020, an expert panel of 24 physicians provided guidance for LCS during the pandemic, stating it was appropriate to defer enrollment in LCS for new patients and to delay annual screening but that patient preferences should also be considered.