[Stigmatizing Attitudes towards Cancer Patients--Results of a Representative Population Survey]

To investigate stigmatizing attitudes towards cancer patients in the general population and to examine their association with socio-structural characteristics and perceived causes of disease.

We recruited a representative sample from the German general population (n=2420; mean age: 52 years; 54% women). Stigmatizing attitudes were assessed with a 9-item scale. Predictors of stigmatizing attitudes were identified using a regression analysis.

Agreement with stigmatization items ranged from 3.6% (item: work together with a cancer patient) to 18.9% (item: use the same dishes as a cancer patient). Perceived causes of disease with a high levels of personal responsibility showed only weak correlations with stigmatizing attitudes (all r<0.31) and were partially statistical significant (e. g. food intake) or not significant (e. g. alcohol). The strongest predictors of stigmatizing attitudes were lack of cancer-related experiences (Beta=-0,26), age <60 years (Beta=0,1) and the assumption that one cannot protect oneself from cancer (Beta=0,11) (all p<0.001). Further predictors were male gender and living in rural area (p<0.01).

The results demonstrate a need for further research and the development of valid methodological instruments to assess stigmatization towards cancer patients.