Impact of Perceived Stigma in People Newly Diagnosed With Lung Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

To investigate perceived stigma and its possible associations with treatment expectations and preferences in newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer.

274 patients with lung cancer diagnosed in the previous four months at oncology and respiratory outpatient clinics in Australia.

Participants completed a self-report survey about perceived lung cancer stigma and treatment expectations and preferences.

A mean perceived stigma score of 52 of a possible 124 was reported, which is lower than scores reported in other studies using the same measure; the current study determined that perceived lung cancer stigma was observed less frequently. Significantly higher scores were observed in participants who were younger or who had a history of smoking. Perceived lung cancer stigma was significantly related to treatment expectations. No relationship was found between perceived lung cancer stigma and treatment preferences.

Healthcare providers are in a key position to provide support and communicate empathetically with patients to minimize potential stigma experiences.