Over 200,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year in the United States. It is the number one cause of cancer death with more people dying of lung cancer each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and melanoma combined. Though lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, there appears to be a disparity in research, funding and advocacy efforts for this disease. Though the cause of this disparity is unknown, it has been attributed to the stigma associated with smoking.
This proposed study will examine the existence of stigma in the lung cancer experience by interviewing oncology social workers across the United States who provide care to people diagnosed with lung cancer and their families.
Sponsor:
American Cancer Society