On the other hand, compared with CG haplotype, ERCC1 rs3212986-rs11615 CA haplotype were associated with better emotional functions (adjusted Beta = 6.61, adjusted P = 0.005), mild dysphagia (adjusted OR = 0.035, adjusted P = 0.017), and lower anxiety score (adjusted Beta = − 2.18, adjusted P = 0.023) after environmental factors corrections, suggesting that ERCC1 CA haplotype is a protective factor of quality of life and anxiety in patients with lung cancer. This evidence concerns the gene ERCC1 and lung cancer.