Poster Presentation NSW State Cancer Conference 2023

A longitudinal study of lung cancer stigma in newly diagnosed patients (#257)

Shiho Rose 1 2 3 , Allison Boyes 1 2 , Brian Kelly 1 2 4 , Martine Cox 1 2 , Kerrin Palazzi 2 5 , Christine Paul 1 2 6
  1. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
  3. The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with the Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
  4. Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  5. Clinical Research, Information Technology and Statistical Support unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
  6. Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia

Aim: People with lung cancer commonly experience stigma due to links between smoking and disease onset. However, there is little longitudinal research on lung cancer stigma available to better understand patient experiences. This study investigated the changes and trajectories of perceived lung cancer stigma over a 6-month period. 

Method: This study was part of a larger randomised controlled trial of supportive care. People newly diagnosed with lung cancer were recruited from respiratory and oncology out-patient clinics in Australia (n=41). Consenting participants completed surveys at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post-recruitment, which included the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale. Adjusted Linear Mixed Modelling and Latent Growth Mixture Modelling were performed to detect changes in stigma and examine trajectory patterns respectively.

Results: Participants (n=192) were mostly male (58%) with a mean age of 69 years. Mean perceived lung cancer stigma scores of 53.2±15.6, 53.9± 15.8 and 54.0±16.7 were reported at baseline, 3 months and 6 months respectively (out of a possible total score of 134). Changes over time were not statistically significant. Two potential trajectories were identified: (1) persistent low level of perceived stigma; and (2) persistent high level perceived stigma. High stigma trajectories were associated with younger age and having a history of smoking.

Discussion: Perceived lung cancer stigma remained constant over 6 months, with low levels reported overall. However, a sub-group of participants were found to be vulnerable in reporting higher levels of lung cancer stigma (i.e., patients who are younger or have a smoking history), and therefore are a priority for targeted intervention. 

Conclusion: Future research should investigate whether perceived lung cancer stigma varies in other phases of care such as survivorship or end-of-life, compared to experiences soon after diagnosis. Doing so will assist our understanding of whether stigma fluctuates at different points of the cancer continuum and highlight key timing for support. Efforts towards identifying effective stigma-reduction interventions is also warranted to provide appropriate care to affected patients in need of support.