Stigma of lung cancer.

[jillygirl]

After reading an american article on the web, I thought how similar America is to the UK. You may find this interesting.

Being diagnosed with lung cancer carries a certain stigma.

”How long did you smoke?” “I didn’t know you were a closet smoker.” “Too bad he didn’t quit smoking sooner.” Unlike the unconditional support given to those with other forms of cancer, people with lung cancer often feel singled out, like somehow they “deserve” to have cancer. Where does this stigma come from?

Public Perception of a Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

There is a feeling among the general public, that lung cancer is a self-inflicted disease. Smoking is responsible for 80 to 90% of lung cancers, but let’s put this in perspective: Twice as many women die from lung cancer in the United States each year as die from breast cancer, and 20% of these women have never touched a cigarette. Even for those who smoke and develop lung cancer, why do we attach such a stigma to them? Many cancers, and other chronic diseases, are related to lifestyle choices. We don’t seem to judge as harshly those who overeat, are sedentary or sunbathe extensively.

Funding for Lung Cancer Research vs Other Cancers

Sadly, even though lung cancer kills more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined, federal funding lags behind. Funding from the private sector also pales in comparison to fund-raising efforts for some other cancers.

Clearly, lung cancer carries a stigma that extends from the government down to the individual. That said, we won’t move forward by pointing the finger and blaming ourselves, physicians, the public and the government. Each of us can make a difference by supporting those with lung cancer as we would support someone with any other form of cancer. Whether you are a lung cancer survivor, the loved one of someone living with lung cancer or a professional working with those with lung cancer, we need to raise awareness. Those living with lung cancer need and deserve our care, love, and support, not an evaluation of the possible causes of the disease.

[Mark63]

This is a brilliant article, thank you for taking the time to share it. I have felt this stigma and have even been prone to blaming myself. My experiments with smoking were confined to the odd social cigarette for a few years, my cancer was not caused by smoking. I still feel defensive or guilty when I talk to some people about my condition. I know this is wrong, but for the reasons your article highlights. I occasionally slip into this negative thinking. I totally agree with your positive sentiments about raising awareness.

[dewbery]

Yes love this article I think the UK should raise awareness of lung cancer you do not know you can get it unit you have it

[Hidden]

Hi Jillygirl,

I agree, it is an excellent article.

All we can do is hope that by raising awareness, we will, in time, free lung cancer from the shackles of stigma.

Best wishes,

Beth, on behalf of Information and support.

[stewart58]

mandela02,

You should be ashamed of yourself,sending spam to sites like this, people with real problems have better things to do than read your rubbish.

Stewart

[HEARTshapes42]

yes we do need to support those with lung cancer the same i did not want to smoke but for some reason being around people that smoked it was a cool thing to do . I quit twice only to come back after stress . My mom smoked my dad did . And this was the only thing i did that was bad well i was not eating right two . I went to a doctor bad cold i could not get rid of for them to tell me i have copd i got upset decided done with smoking and trying to eat better i have not smoked for 5 days now . I look back on how stupid i was . you would think looking at all family members passed away from smoking you would stop all ways putting the cig before you please quit before it is to late never to late to quit . Better know then later believe me just be done all problems i have know well if i wished one this is i never had that nasty habit .

[HEARTshapes42]

I loved your article Jilly Girl