Compared with GC haplotype, ERCC1 rs762562-rs3212986 AA haplotype was significantly associated with worse cognitive function (adjusted beta = − 5.34, 95% CI = − 10.13-0.56, adjusted P = 0.029), somatic function (adjusted beta = − 5.89, 95% CI = − 5.89, 95% CI = − 10.53-1.25, adjusted P = 0.014), and severer in dysphagia symptoms (adjusted OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.03–10.66, adjusted P = 0.044) after correction for environmental factors, indicating that ERCC1 rs762562-rs3212986 AA haplotype is a risk factor for quality of life in lung cancer patients. Here, ERCC1 is linked to lung carcinoma.