Cancer Stigma: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Perceptions of Social Labeling

Cancer is inherently associated with social stigma, where patients are not only affected by the physical suffering of the disease but also face social judgment.This study aims to explore how individuals with cancer perceive and understand the judgments and labels placed upon them socially.The research adopts a qualitative approach guided by grounded theory methodology.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which continued until theoretical saturation was reached.The participants included 13 individuals -4 men and 9 women -diagnosed with cancer.The interviews were transcribed, coded using MAXQDA software, and analyzed to extract relevant categories and concepts.The findings reveal that negative attitudes, fear, and feelings of guilt related to the diagnosis lead to concealment, denial, and social withdrawal, thereby threatening patients' mental health.Underlying factors such as the intensity and repetition of stigma across various environments play a significant role in sustaining these perceptions.Support from family and positive behaviors from healthcare providers can substantially reduce these negative effects, while discrimination and negative interactions exacerbate feelings of worthlessness and anxiety among patients.Changing cultural and educational beliefs, active patient participation in raising societal awareness, and reforming healthcare policies are key strategies for reducing stigma and discrimination.Consequently, creating a supportive and accepting social environment can improve patients' quality of life, foster empathy within the community, and ultimately promote a more humane approach to caring for cancer patients.