Lung Cancer Stigma: Does Smoking History Matter?

Abstract

Total, internalized, and perceived stigma vary meaningfully by lung cancer patients' smoking history. Patients who smoke at diagnosis are at risk for experiencing high levels of stigma and could benefit from psychosocial support. Regardless of smoking history, patients reported similar levels of discomfort in sharing information about their lung cancer diagnosis with others. Future studies should test relationships between health-related stigma and associated health behaviors in other stigmatized groups.