Care Plan for Reducing Stigma in Cancer Disease

Purpose: Disease-related Stigma is negative emotions, attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs about diseases. Cancer is one of the diseases that can be exposed to stigma. Regarding the effects of stigma on the quality of life;admission and adherence to treatment, and considering stigma as a barrier to health promotion and cancer screening, the aim of this study was to provide a care plan for reducing stigma in cancer. Methods: This research was carried out during three phases of qualitative, quantitative studies and a review of the literature. The qualitative phase was conducted by conventional content analysis to find effective factors on the reduction of stigma through face to face semi-structured interviews. The quantitative phase was a cross-sectional descriptive study to measure the level of stigma. By using both quantitative and qualitative findings, and a review of the literature, a comprehensive care plan to reduce stigma in families with cancer patients was developed. Results: The results showed two categories of data;1) reducing stigma at the individual or family level which needs increasing awareness, teaching coping skills, and support, as well as counseling;and 2) stigma reduction at the community level and policy rules which involve public education and cultural changes. Conclusion: Implementation of a care plan for reducing stigma can increase the physical and psychological health outcomes of people influenced by cancer, and at the community level, improves the attitude toward cancer and the success of screening programs, and ultimately reduces disability and mortality of the disease.