Episode Summary
In this TOGA Podcast and in recognising Lung Cancer Awareness month 2021, A/Prof Melissa Moore discusses the importance of treating lung cancer patients with respect, dignity and withholding the often associated judgement. The internal guilt and the pain caused by a diagnosis of lung cancer is amplified by the stigma that exists in society today, including the medical profession. The societal view that lung cancer is self-inflicted and therefore deserved, leads to stigma. Perceptions about the course and outcome of lung cancer as an illness also contribute to this stigma, and to therapeutic nihilism in the medical community. The unconscious bias and its impact on lung cancer patients is discussed as well as the high levels of emotional distress that contribute to depression and anxiety for those diagnosed. It’s time to challenge the stereotype and address the existing nihilism to ensure research, treatment and care is not negatively impacted on the basis of existing prejudice. Briony Scott, with her own personal experience with lung cancer, Prof Suzanne Chambers and Prof Stewart Dunn, join A/Prof Melissa in the conversation.
Show Hosts
This episode’s host are:
- A/Prof Melissa Moore, Educational Chair, TOGA; Medical Oncologist
- Dr Briony Scott, Governance Chair, TOGA
- Prof Suzanne Chambers, Dean of the Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney
- Prof Stewart Dunn, Professor of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney
