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Part 2: Lung Cancer: Addressing the Stigma and Disparities Associated with Lung Cancer

Continuing Medical Education Information

Course Description:
This module will provide an examination of the stigma and nihilism associated with lung cancer and will explore ways the healthcare community can proactively address this barrier to care. 

Statement of Need:
There is a high prevalence of stigma associated with lung cancer.  Guilt and fear often deter patients from seeking treatment.  There is also a concern among patients that their healthcare providers may judge them negatively. 

In 2018, significantly more oncologists feel they have adequate treatment options for metastatic lung cancer (67% vs 36%, p < 0.001) and the majority of patients report being satisfied with their medical care (87%) and treatment options (71%). Despite these advances, there was a non-significant increase in oncologists indicating both that there is a stigma associated with lung cancer (68% in 2018 vs 60% in 2008) and that patients blame themselves (67% vs 57%). Significantly more patients felt that there was a stigma associated with having lung cancer (70% vs. 54%, p < 0.001). In addition, 57% of oncologists indicated that patients with different cancers are thought about, approached, or handled differently, similar to 2008. Lung cancer patients were most frequently cited as treated differently. In 2018, 40% of patients agreed with the statement “patients with lung cancer are treated differently by doctors and nurses” compared to 26% a decade ago (p = .01). Both groups felt the most common way patients were treated differently was “received less sympathy from medical staff.” (Journal of Clinical Oncology 2019 37:15_suppl, 11619-11619

Objectives:
At the end of this module physicians will be able to:

  • Recognize lung cancer stigma and nihilism as barriers to optimal lung cancer prevention and control
  • Consider options to change attitudes and make behavior change regarding lung cancer

Disclosure: All individuals involved in the planning and delivery of materials disclose they have no relevant relationships.

Commercial Support: There is no commercial support associated with this activity.

Accreditation and Designation:
The Kentucky Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Kentucky Medical Association designates this internet enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Target Audience: Physicians in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Estimated Time to Complete: This module will take approximately 1.0 hours to complete

Method of Participation Used: Participants will view and listen to a recorded lecture while simultaneously viewing slides.

Hardware/Software Requirements: High speed internet connection

Faculty: Jamie L. Studts, PhD, Laura Krueger 

Meeting Planner: Miranda Mosley, Heather Lathan

Provider Contact Information: Miranda Mosley, Kentucky Medical Association

Copyright: There is no copyright associated with this activity

Release Date: January 2022

Termination Date: December 2022

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