Explaining the Meaning of Cancer Stigma from the Point of View of Iranian Stakeholders: A Qualitative Study

Chronic diseases such as cancer are associated with many psychosocial issues that affect the various aspects of the health of individuals and families. Stigma is one of the problems in cancer that has devastating outcomes.
The aim of this study is to explain the meaning of stigma and its effect on patients with cancer from the point of view of Iranian stakeholders.
This qualitative study was carried out with the participation of 14 people including individuals with cancer, their families, and cancer therapeutic team members by purposive sampling method and semi - structured interviews at Shohada Tajrish, and Imam Hossein (AS) Hospitals, Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences of Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, from February to April 2017. The number of interviews was determined by data saturation. A conventional content analysis method was used. To ensure the accuracy of the qualitative data, the Lincoln and Guba criteria were considered.
From the data analysis, 4 main themes were obtained: (1) cancer as a terrible and pitiful disease, (2) communication breakdown, (3) concealing the disease, (4) identity crisis.
Stigma in cancer is the negative beliefs, superstitions, and cultural stereotypes that result from unawareness. The consequences of stigma influence the patients and their families; more broadly, it leads to the failure of screening and early detection programs, which requires careful attention from policymakers and healthcare providers.