A phenomenological study on experiences of cancer stigma amongst selected people living with cancer in rural and urban Zimbabwe

Background: Cancer is a highly stigmatized illness associated with profound adverse impact on communities, families and diagnosed individuals. Notwithstanding extensive theorizing since Erving Goffman’s classical contributions, health stigma is well explicated in context-specific and situated analysis. The current study explored the manifestations of self and enacted stigma among 20 selected people diagnosed with cancer from rural and urban Zimbabwe, who sought quaternary level of health care services in the capital, Harare. Methods: Phenomenological methodology was enlisted to capture intimate expressions of stigma as expressed about, and by people diagnosed with cancer. Data collection methods used includes semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A semi-structured in-depth interview guide, focus group discussion guide and a key informant interview guide were the tools used to collect the data. Results: The study identified five themes of stigma, indicating pronounced, complex and multiple catalogues of stigma embedded in the existing socio-cultural milieu. Conclusions: This study stands to offer invaluable conceptual schemas and empirical insights on health-related stigma, and may aid in nursing and in the design of educational programs meant to combat health stigma.