A survey by the Global Lung Cancer Coalition has found that the UK is less sympathetic to people with lung cancer than those with other types of cancer.
According to the figures, 37% of people admitted to having less sympathy for lung cancer patients, an increase of 12% from a previous poll.
Egypt was the least sympathetic nation (79%), whilst Norway was the most – although nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed still confessed to having less sympathy.
Lung cancer is the UK’s third most common cancer and the deadliest form of the disease, killing more people than breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined.
Poor perceptions. Poor outcomes
Around 70% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Leading lung cancer charity, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, believe this association is what causes such negative opinions around the disease and what prompted the launch of its Let Go of the Labels campaign for lung cancer awareness month.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said:
“Lung cancer is so intrinsically linked to smoking it is unfairly regarded as a ‘self-inflicted disease’. But, as with all things, it is never that clear cut.
People start smoking for all sorts of reasons – from peer pressure to body dysmorphia. People living with mental health conditions are also at a higher risk of smoking. And let’s not forget that these products are deliberately made to be as addictive as possible.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
“We don’t want anyone to feel ashamed or guilty for having lung cancer – or any type of cancer because, of course, smoking causes lots of other cancers and diseases, including pancreatic, stomach and cervical cancers.”
The psychological impact of lung cancer
Glen O’Neill from Wilmslow in Cheshire, started smoking when she was just 14. At the time, Glen thought it made her look daring and sophisticated.
In 2018, just after her 50th birthday, Glen was diagnosed with lung cancer. Thanks to early detection, Glen is now cancer-free, but her diagnosis continues to have an emotional impact.
“It took me a long time to come to terms with my diagnosis,” explained Glen, “and this is compounded by the attitudes around lung cancer.
“I hate when you tell someone you had lung cancer their immediate response is “Did you smoke?” and then a knowing nod when the answer is yes.
It’s all about blame and although I accept that smoking could well have contributed to my lung cancer, nobody says to an overweight person who is diagnosed with cancer that they should have managed their weight better.
Glen was diagnosed with early stage lung cancer in 2018
“Blaming someone for causing their own cancer does not help anyone. It’s a hurtful and unnecessary question to ask – plus lots of people who get lung cancer have never smoked.”
Glen makes a valid point. Approximately 30% of lung cancer cases are not caused by smoking, a key message in Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s Let Go of the Labels campaign.
“This dangerous misconception around smoking and lung cancer is costing people their lives,” continues Paula.
“We launched the Let Go of the Labels campaign after hearing time and time again how labels like smoker and never smoker were stopping people from being diagnosed earlier.
“It is time to let go of these harmful labels and simply recognise lung cancer for what it is – a disease, like all other cancers, that can affect anyone and a disease that warrants support, not judgement.”