Cancer Information Avoidance and Stigma: A Hidden Barrier to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Journal of Medical Library and Information Science,
Vol. 7 No. 7 (2026),
6 May 2026
,
Page 1-8
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v7i7.52570
Abstract
Cancer stigma represents a significant barrier to cancer prevention and early detection. One of the less-examined mechanisms through which stigma operates is its influence on health information avoidance. This study explores how cancer stigma may lead individuals to avoid cancer-related information through mechanisms such as identity threat, anticipated stigma, and internalized stigma. Avoidance of health information can contribute to delays in seeking medical care, reduced participation in screening programs, and diagnosis at more advanced stages of disease. Evidence suggests that these processes are shaped by cultural beliefs, social norms, and structural inequalities, and may be intensified among vulnerable populations. In addition, social capital—including trust, supportive networks, and shared social norms—may play an important role in moderating or amplifying the effects of stigma on health information avoidance. Therefore, addressing cancer stigma should be considered a central component of cancer control strategies and requires multi-level interventions at individual, social, and structural levels to promote health information seeking, increase participation in screening, and improve early detection.
- Cancer information avoidance
- Social capital
- Cancer stigma
How to Cite
References
1. Parums DV. Recently identified global trends in cancer incidence and mortality and modifiable cancer risk factors. Med Sci Monit . 2026;32:e953221. doi: 10.12659/MSM.953221
2. Carter-Harris L, Hermann CP, Schreiber J, Weaver MT, Rawl SM. Lung cancer stigma predicts timing of medical help-seeking behavior. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2014;41(3):E203-10. doi: 10.1188/14.ONF.E203-E210
3. Nyblade L, Stockton MA, Giger K, Bond V, Ekstrand ML, Lean RM, et al. Stigma in health facilities: Why it matters and how we can change it. BMC Med. 2019;17(1):25. doi: 10.1186/s12916-019-1256-2
4. Heley K, Vanderpool RC, Vedham V. Global cancer stigma research: A U.S. National Cancer Institute workshop report. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2024;(63):4-10. doi: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgad038
5. Vrinten C, Gallagher A, Waller J, Marlow LA. Cancer stigma and cancer screening attendance: A population based survey in England. BMC Cancer. 2019;19(1):566. doi: 10.1186/s12885-019-5787-x
6. Hasan Shiri F, Mohtashami J, Manoochehri H, Rohani C. Cancer stigma and its consequences and influencing factors in Iranian society: A qualitative study. J Qual Res Heal Sci. 2022;11(3):180-188. doi: 10.34172/jqr.2022.05
7. Hasan Shiri F, Mohtashami J, Nasiri M, Manoochehri H, Rohani C. Stigma and related factors in Iranian people with cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(8):2285-2290. doi: 10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.8.2285
8. Knapp S, Marziliano A, Moyer A. Identity threat and stigma in cancer patients. Heal Psychol open. 2014;1(1):2055102914552281. doi: 10.1177/2055102914552281
9. Cotoc C. Self-stigma, trust in the oncologists and information seeking behaviors in breast cancer patients and survivors [dissertation on the Internet]. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; 2020 [cited 2026 June 22]. Available from: https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/115928
10. Chae J. A three-factor cancer-related mental condition model and its relationship with cancer information use, cancer information avoidance, and screening intention. J Health Commun. 2015;20(10):1133-1142. doi: 10.1080/10810730.2015.1018633
11. Offer K, Oglanova N, Oswald L, Hertwig R. Prevalence and predictors of medical information avoidance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Behav Med. 2025;59(1):kaaf058. doi: 10.1093/abm/kaaf058
12. Saeidi N, Kamrouz S, Ranjbar H, Saeidi A. Factors affecting self-perceived stigma in cancer patients: A meta-synthesis. J Qual Res Heal Sci. 2024;13(4). doi: 10.34172/jqr.2024.32
13. Macleod U, Mitchell ED, Burgess C, Macdonald S, Ramirez AJ. Risk factors for delayed presentation and referral of symptomatic cancer: Evidence for common cancers. Br J Cancer. 2009;101 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S92-S101. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605398
14. Cataldo JK, Jahan TM, Pongquan VL. Lung cancer stigma, depression, and quality of life among ever and never smokers. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2012;16(3):264-269. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2011.06.008
15. Wood CM, Cortopassi IO, McCann MR, Mergo PJ, Stowell JT, Little BP. Psychological and behavioral factors in lung cancer screening uptake and adherence: Challenges and opportunities. J Thorac Imaging. 2025;40(6):e0841. doi: 10.1097/RTI.0000000000000841
16. Kawachi I, Berkman LF. Social ties and mental health. J Urban Health. 2001;78(3):458-467. doi: 10.1093/jurban/78.3.458
17. Putnam RD. Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community [book on the Internet]. New York: Simon and schuster; 2000 [cited 2026 Jun 22]. Available from: https://communistcaucus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Bowling-Alone.pdf
18. Lantz PM, Golberstein E, House JS, Morenoff J. Socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors for mortality in a national 19-year prospective study of U.S. adults. Soc Sci Med. 2010;70(10):1558-1566. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.02.003
19. Gillies C, Allen-Scott LK, Nykiforuk CIJ, Belon AP, Kim MO, Lee B, et al. Social capital interventions for human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization and cervical cancer screening: A rapid review. Can Commun Dis Rep. 2024;50(7-8):260-273. doi: 10.14745/ccdr.v50i78a04
- Abstract Viewed: 76 times
- e82 (PDF) Downloaded: 10 times
