LT Covid/lung cancer?

Hi, I’m sorry about your health condition and I understand your concern about the connection between long term covid and lung cancer. I was diagnosed in 2020 with LC but I didn’t get covid until 2022, I must admit I have thought about a connection too but I’m not sure. I’ve read many stories here about long covid and so many people had it and still do but no one ever said they got lung cancer or any other cancer, I truly hope that there’s no connection between the two. It’s still in the early stages trying to get more information about long covid and it has damaged the health of many people and we need more information on the subject to help people get better. I hope you recover quickly and get your health back, best wishes.

Right - I’ve never seen a mention of connection but I thought I’d ask. Thanks for your good wishes.

@elliss, there is not enough evidence for researchers to draw conclusions about COVID affecting the development or progression of cancer. However, people with COVID infection and/or long COVID often undergo medical testing and observation. This may lead to a cancer being detected.

It is always a shock to be diagnosed with cancer and its natural to search for the cause. With lung cancer we always think about smoking since it is the leading cause of lung cancer and other cancers. Unfortunately, never-smokers can also get cancer.

I encourage you to join the discussions in the Lung Cancer support group here:
- Lung Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/

It is an active and supportive group and members can help answers questions and support you as you navigate this new territory.

Ellis,
My sister was never around smoke at all, but she did get lung cancer. The doctor said he thinks he has seen a raise in lung cancer due to petroleum. I do not have any more details about what he meant. Radon can cause it, genetics, and asbestos too. No, I don't believe she ever had Covid.

@elliss ; @sweetwater9

My dad wasn't a never-smoker, but it had been 40 years since he'd become an avid non-smoker when he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma lung cancer. His doctors said it was highly unlikely it's root cause was smoking. However, he had worked his entire career (sales & management), which began in the late 1950's, in the plastics industry. He was in constant exposure to petroleum at the plastic extrusion plants he worked in. The doctors attributed the lung cancer to that.

God speed to recovery. 🫂

Hi,
My experience is that after I got covid/long covid 3/2021,
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3/2023 and 5/2023 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Now 5/2025 my doctors found a small brain tumor and a tumor in my ear canal.
I definitely believe that LC speeds up cancer growth but that is based on my experience, not scientific proof.
I was very healthy and energetic pre covid. I miss her.
Good wishes for your recovery.

I hope for no more cancer for you and that you’re receiving the care you need to recover. I agree with your theory- Covid seems to have exacerbated the autoimmune issues I had before it.

Oh my goodness. Yes, the Covid virus/infection has a connection. I’m one of the unfortunates experiencing the damage it does to our lungs, as well as to the rest of our bodies, and surprisingly it can be undetectable through lab and imaging work-up or lay under the radar enough to be labeled, “idiopathic” “all in your head”