Stigma of lung cancer hinders diagnoses INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Lung cancer kills more people annually than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, accounting for 1 in 5 cancer deaths. Despite its prevalence, a pervasive stigma persists: because smoking causes most cases, many believe pati ents deserve the diagnosis. In the U.S., smoking causes up to 90% of lung cancer cases. This connection often leads to a “blame the patient” mentality. “Patients are really cruel to themselves, and they’ve been treated cruelly by people who love them,” Dr. Gibilaro said. “People will even sit in the exam room and say, ‘I told you to stop smoking.’” This stigma directly impacts medical outcomes. Many eligible patients avoid screening entirely. Dr. Gibalero noted that only 5% to 7% of eligible individuals undergo screening. Even among those who do, fear often prevents further action. Dr. Gibilaro estimates that about 40% of her patients hesitate to “take that leap” and investigate further. The psychological burden is significant. Some patients hide their diagnosis and treatment from loved ones to avoid shame. Most devastatingly, people diagnosed with lung cancer are nearly three times more likely to commit suicide. However, medical advancements have changed the outlook. “It’s not a death sentence anymore,” Dr. Gibilaro said. “If we catch it early, it’s curable.” Beyond chemotherapy, new therapies offer better long-term effects and fewer side effects. If surgeons find the cancer while it is small and in the early stages, the disease is often curable. Modern medicine offers a broader menu of choices with better outcomes. Experts urge the public to remember that for those with lung cancer, support—not judgment—makes the biggest difference. ...read more read less