Season of Diagnosis and Survival of Advanced Lung Cancer Cases - Any Correlation?

Abstract

Introduction: The influence of season at diagnosis on cancer survival has been an intriguing issue for many years. Most studies have shown a possible correlation in between the seasonality and some cancer type survival. With short expected survival, lung cancer is an arena that still is in need of new prognostic factors and models. We aimed to investigate the effect of season of diagnosis on 3 months, 1 and 2 years survival rates and overall survival of non small cell lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The files of non small cell lung cancer patients that were stages IIIB and IV at diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. According to diagnosis date, the patients were grouped into 4 season groups, autumn, winter, spring and summer. Results: A total of 279 advanced non small cell lung cancer patients' files were reviewed. Median overall survival was 15 months in the entire population. Overall 3 months, 1 and 2 years survival rates were 91.0%, 58.2% and 31.2% respectively. The season of diagnosis was significantly correlated with 3 months survival rates, being diagnosed in spring being associated with better survival . Also the season was significantly correlated with T stage of the disease. For 1 and 2 years survival rates and overall survival, the season of diagnosis was not significantly correlated. There was no correlation detected between season and overall survivals according to histological subtypes of non small cell lung cancer. Conclusion: As a new finding in advanced non small cell lung cancer patients, it can be concluded that being diagnosed in spring can be a favorable prognostic factor for short term survival.

Lack of any Association between Season of Diagnosis and Survival of Gastric Cancer Cases in Kayseri, Turkey

“…Lagunova et al have observed that patients with prostate cancer diagnosed during the summer and autumn had the best prognosis (Lagunova et al, 2007). Similarly, we have found that being diagnosed in spring was favorable prognostic factor for short term survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients (Oguz et al, 2013). On the other hand, there are some studies, which did not show a relationship between season of diagnose and cancer survival.…”

Indications for performing flexible bronchoscopy: Trends over 34 years at a tertiary care hospital

“…In most studies, lung cancer diagnosed in winter carried a poorer outcome. [ 21 22 23 ] There was also a trend toward higher number of cases of sarcoidosis being diagnosed in summer (May-July). This is in agreement with previous studies studying seasonal variability of sarcoidosis.…”

Recurrence Season Impacts the Survival of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients

“…During winter months, the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D3 and the total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in serum are up to one half of the corresponding states during the summer and autumn months (Poskitt et al, 1979;Vik et al, 1980). Several studies indicated that the prognosis of many cancers such as lung -prostate-, breast-, colon cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma is related to the season of diagnosis (Lim et al, 2006;Porojnicu & Lagunova et al, 2007;Porojnicu et al, 2008;Mutlu et al, 2013;Oguz et al, 2013). Patients with breast cancer and colon cancer diagnosed in the summer and autumn have better survival comparing to those diagnosed in winter (Moan et al, 2005;Porojnicu & Lagunova et al, 2007), although opposite results were reported by Mutlu et al (2013).…”