Wildfires are becoming more common and damaging with climate change, posing significant challenges for vulnerable populations, including cancer patients. A new study led by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shed light on the impact of wildfires on patients recovering from lung cancer surgery.
The study found that patients whose treatment facilities were affected by wildfire disasters during their recovery had longer hospital stays compared to similar patients treated at the same facility during non-disaster periods. This highlights the need for guidelines to protect the health and safety of patients undergoing surgery during wildfires, as there are currently no established protocols in place.
Recovery from lung cancer surgery is already a difficult process, and wildfires can exacerbate the challenges faced by patients. Apart from exposure to smoke, patients may also face contaminated water and soil, stress from evacuation orders, disruptions in access to essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies, and changes in transportation routes.
The study analyzed data from individuals who underwent curative-intent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer between 2004 and 2021. Patients in counties with a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wildfire disaster declaration had longer hospital stays compared to those in unexposed counties. This extended length of stay can have significant economic implications for healthcare systems, as hospital stays are costly.
The findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to be prepared for the impact of extreme weather events on patients with chronic illnesses. As wildfires become more frequent and intense, updated guidance and disaster preparedness plans tailored to vulnerable patient populations are essential.
Dr. Leticia Nogueira, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of considering these findings in future disaster preparedness guidelines and quality care metrics. Dr. Amruta Nori-Sarma from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlighted the need for healthcare providers to be ready with updated guidance to protect patients’ health in the face of worsening wildfire seasons.
This study is just the beginning of understanding how extreme weather events may affect patients with chronic illnesses. As wildfires continue to impact larger populations, healthcare providers must be proactive in ensuring the health and safety of their patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of extended hospital stays on surgical care outcomes during disasters.
The study was also contributed to by Dr. Robin Yabroff from the American Cancer Society. For more information, the study is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute with DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaf040. The findings highlight the urgent need for healthcare systems to adapt to the challenges posed by wildfires and other extreme weather events, especially for vulnerable patient populations.
