Reducing stigma triggered by assessing smoking status among patients diagnosed with lung cancer: De-stigmatizing do and don't lessons learned from qualitative interviews

OBJECTIVE: To characterize lung cancer patients' reactions to cancer care providers' (CCPs) assessment of smoking behavior and to develop recommendations to reduce stigma and improve patient-clinician communication about smoking in the context of lung cancer care. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 56 lung cancer patients (Study 1) and focus groups with 11 lung cancer patients (Study 2) were conducted and analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Three broad themes were identified: cursory questions about smoking history and current behavior; stigma triggered by assessment of smoking behavior; and recommended dos and don'ts for CCPs treating patients with lung cancer. CCP communication that contributed to patients' comfort included responding in an empathic manner and using supportive verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Blaming statements, doubting patients' self-reported smoking status, insinuating subpar care, nihilistic statements, and avoidant behaviors contributed to patients' discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients often experienced stigma in response to smoking-related discussions with their CCPs and identified several communication strategies that CCPs can use to improve patients' comfort within these clinical encounters. INNOVATION: These patient perspectives advance the field by providing specific communication recommendations that CCPs can adopt to mitigate stigma and enhance lung cancer patients' comfort, particularly when taking a routine smoking history.