Breaking the Silence: Understanding Cancer-Related Stigma among Tertiary Students in Punjab

Abstract

Background: Cancer stigma has a profound impact on the psychological and social well-being of survivors,  affecting their reintegration into society and access to care. India experiences a high stigma towards people suffering from chronic diseases, especially cancer. This study was conducted in Punjab to assess various stigmas and misconceptions about cancer among tertiary students in Punjab, India.

Aim: This study examined cancer stigma and misconceptions among tertiary  students regarding people living with cancer in Punjab. It aimed to pinpoint drivers of stigma and misconceptions that may guide interventions and support  attitude building.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, and 601 tertiary students were recruited from six districts of Punjab (Patiala, Mansa, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, and  Shri Muktsar). The Cancer Stigma Scale was adopted for data collection using a structured questionnaire. SPSS was used to describe stigma patterns and associated beliefs  via various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Results: 53.4% of respondents disagreed that cancer so adversely affects a cancer survivor's life that they can never return to normal, and 63.4% of respondents agreed that cancer adversely affects a cancer survivor's relationship with other individuals. Furthermore, 46.3% of participants agreed that cancer  patients are responsible for their own illnesses. Two-thirds  of students (68%) agreed that cancer commonly ends a career, indicating strongly ingrained stigmatizing notions. The present study results emphasize the  fact that tertiary students in Punjab still suffer from the stigma and misconceptions attached to cancer.

Conclusion: Cancer-related stigma remains a pervasive issue among tertiary students in Punjab, influenced by cultural beliefs, limited awareness, and misconceptions. Addressing these attitudes requires targeted educational campaigns, survivor advocacy, and interventions emphasizing recovery, resilience, and inclusion. Such efforts are crucial to reducing stigma, fostering empathy, and improving the social reintegration of cancer survivors.