Cancer-related stigma in the USA and Israeli mass media: an exploratory study of structural stigma

Abstract

Purpose Cancer is considered a stigmatized condition in many cultures. One key cultural site that produces illness-related structural stigma is mass media. This study explored the social construction of cancer-related stigma in mass media during the time of COVID-19. Specifically, we compared how cancer-related stigma is constructed in two contexts: American and Israeli mass media. Methods Two samples were drawn: all articles that mentioned cancer and published in a 4-month period in USA Today ( N = 117) and Israel Today ( N = 108). Inductive Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the articles. Results Three similar themes were identified in the samples: “the trivialization of cancer,” “cancer as metaphor,” and the “the war against cancer.” In both samples, people with cancer were depicted as heroic. Despite the similarities in themes, how each theme was constructed reflected sociocultural differences between the two samples. Conclusions There appear to be presented universal mechanisms of cancer-related stigma in the media, alongside cultural differences in how they are employed and constructed. Implications for Cancer Survivors The results stress the importance of debunking cancer-related stigma in the media and elsewhere. Cancer survivors and their families, reporters, researchers, and other stakeholders in the two studied countries should collaborate to devise culturally informed guidelines for reporting and writing about cancer.

Perceptions about the causes and treatment of cancer – A cross-sectional survey of university students in Ghana

“…This posture negatively affects efforts in many health systems, including Ghana’s, to increase awareness about both causes and treatment of cancer. Like other studies ( Fujisawa and Hagiwara, 2015 , Else-Quest and Jackson, 2014 , Soffer, 2022 ), the belief that cancer cannot be treated is common in those who receive insufficient awareness information. Awareness information is sufficient if it addresses both common beliefs and recent beliefs identified on the CAM-MYCS.…”

“…Public perceptions about the causes of cancer play an important role in behavior toward treatment ( Shahab et al, 2018 , Osei-Afriyie et al, 2021 ). Negative perceptions and blaming of patients are related to stigmatization/stigma towards patients and disbelief in treatment (Else-Quest & Jackson, 2021; Soffer, 2022 ; Larkin et al, 2021). Despite the numerous awareness campaigns and entire months of dedicated publicity, cancer continues to be a burden on Ghana’s health system ( Osei-Afriyie et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Stigma toward cancer can be exacerbated by beliefs about the causes and culture among others ( Ololade et al, 2019 , Noronha, 2020 ). The mass media is a key source of information ( Akakpo, 2022 ) that shapes stigma ( Soffer, 2022 ). A key component of cancer stigma is patient-blaming and the notion that the outcome of a positive diagnosis is always disastrous ( Marlow & Wardle, 2014 ).…”

Public Perception of Environmental and Sustainability Issues in North Sumatra: A Mass Media Perspective

“…Framing in mass media coverage related to environmental issues often occurs. Sometimes, mass media tends to take a perspective that emphasizes damages and conflicts in their reporting [44] [45]. For example, focusing on deforestation, wildlife habitat loss, or negative industrial impacts on the environment.…”