Stigma, Communication, and Clinical Oncology Care: Three Case Studies

Background: Health-related stigma can contribute to health inequities and poor outcomes. To address stigma-related issues in clinical oncology care, healthcare providers can identify stigma in clinical practice and apply strategies that reduce stigma.

Objectives: The aim is to identify stigma-related issues experienced by patients with cancer and to present strategies that address stigma-associated barriers to quality clinical oncology care.

Methods: This article presents three case studies that illustrate stigma-associated issues and strategies to address those issues in clinical oncology care.

Findings: Identifying intersectional stigmas in clinical care, each case study includes the patient’s background information, a social assessment, and a clinical update, as well as an example of dialogue between the nurse and patient. Each case study ends with commentary and questions to further illustrate stigma-related issues in clinical oncology care. Finally, supporting the case studies, the toolbox includes inclusive language; principles of universal precautions to apply to stigma in clinical oncology care; and communication components, strategies, and resources to reduce stigma in clinical oncology care.