People with cancer face unique challenges during extreme weather events like wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. A recent study led by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health examined the impact of wildfires on patients recovering from lung cancer surgery.
The study found that patients whose treatment facilities were affected by a wildfire disaster had longer hospital stays compared to similar patients treated at the same facility during non-disaster times. This extended length of stay was attributed to the various threats posed by wildfires, including exposure to smoke, contaminated water and soil, stress from evacuation orders, and disruptions in essential services like grocery and pharmacy access.
Researchers analyzed data from individuals who underwent lung cancer surgery between 2004 and 2021 and were exposed to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wildfire Presidential Disaster Declaration in the county of their treatment facility. The study revealed that patients exposed to wildfire disasters had an average hospital stay of 9.4 days, compared to 7.5 days for unexposed patients.
The findings suggest that the impact of wildfires on cancer care goes beyond immediate health concerns and can have economic implications as well. Shorter hospital stays are linked to better quality care and lower costs, making extended stays during disasters a significant consideration for healthcare systems.
Dr. Leticia Nogueira, the lead author of the study, emphasized the need for guidelines to protect vulnerable patients during disasters and ensure quality care metrics are adjusted accordingly. Dr. Amruta Nori-Sarma from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlighted the importance of healthcare providers being prepared to address the health impacts of extreme weather events on patients with chronic illnesses.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, healthcare providers must stay informed and ready to adapt their practices to protect patient health. Further research is needed to explore how extended hospital stays during disasters can improve surgical outcomes and inform disaster preparedness guidelines for vulnerable populations.
The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, underscores the importance of addressing the intersection of climate change, extreme weather events, and cancer care to ensure the well-being of patients undergoing treatment. By staying vigilant and proactive, healthcare providers can better support patients with cancer during challenging times.
