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Study Aims to Reduce Lung Cancer Stigma by Teaching Health Professionals Empathy
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) published an article about a study aimed at reducing the stigma around lung cancer. This stigma often arises because lung cancer is closely linked to smoking, even though not all cases are smoking-related. The stigma can lead to harmful effects like delayed diagnosis, feelings of guilt, and worse health outcomes. It can also make patients hesitant to share their diagnosis, resulting in a lack of social support.
The study, led by Dr. Smita Banerjee and Dr. Jamie Ostroff, focuses on teaching empathy to health professionals through virtual training. The goal is to improve interactions between patients and providers, creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected, regardless of their smoking history. This approach could also encourage patients to participate in tobacco cessation programs. To conclude, Dr. Banerjee highlights that this trial is part of a larger effort to change the conversation around lung cancer.
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