According to the American Cancer Society, more people die of lung cancer each year than of breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. And stigma may be a contributing factor. People are ashamed to tell others that they are having possible lung cancer symptoms or to get screening for lung cancer because they fear the shame of stigma.
We talked to Dr. Lisa Carter-Harris, a behavioral scientist and nurse practitioner, about the effects of stigma related to lung cancer and what can be done about it. Dr. Carter-Harris believes that everyone needs to contribute to changing how lung cancer is perceived so people who have it, or are at a higher risk for getting it, feel supported and empowered rather than feeling judged.
Check out our discussion:
Had Surgery on both lungs and still cancer free.
I quit smoking. Hope it reduces my risk
I quit smoking. Hope it is not to late.