Journal article
Patient Perspectives on Impact of Weight and Weight Stigma on Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Study
Cancer medicine (Malden, MA), Vol.14(6), e70823
03/2025
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70823
PMCID: PMC11924286
PMID: 40111081
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
Background
Higher weight individuals report experiencing weight-based stigma in the healthcare setting; within the cancer continuum, the most robust evidence exists for cancer screening. More research is needed to understand whether and how higher weight patients experience weight stigma during cancer treatment.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 breast and 15 cervical cancer survivors diagnosed 2017–2019 in Iowa who had a pre-diagnosis body mass index of 30+ kg/m2 calculated from their driver's license height and weight. Interviews focused on whether individuals perceived being treated differently because of their weight in daily life, in healthcare, or during cancer treatment. Data were coded using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches, and analyzed using a multi-phase thematic analysis.
Results
Almost all interviewees reported positive experiences during cancer treatment; several described their weight as never being an issue. Some identified weight stigma during cancer diagnosis or treatment that resulted in delayed diagnoses or changes in treatment. Many interviewees described situations where their weight was discussed negatively during cancer treatment, but most did not identify these as stigmatizing because their providers were only “concerned about [their] health.” Additional themes developed included experiencing environmental stigma, the discussion of cancer recurrence by providers only as it related to weight, and misconceptions of the causes and consequences of obesity.
Conclusions
While several participants did not feel that their weight impacted cancer treatment, some reported experiences of weight stigma pre-diagnosis and during treatment. When individuals noted their weight was discussed during treatment, internalized bias may have impacted whether they considered these discussions stigmatizing.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Patient Perspectives on Impact of Weight and Weight Stigma on Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Study
- Creators
- Jamie L. Sorensen - University of IowaMichele M. West - University of IowaKathleen M. Robinson - University of IowaMary E. Charlton - University of IowaIngrid M. Lizarraga - University of IowaSarah H. Nash - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Cancer medicine (Malden, MA), Vol.14(6), e70823
- DOI
- 10.1002/cam4.70823
- PMID
- 40111081
- PMCID
- PMC11924286
- NLM abbreviation
- Cancer Med
- ISSN
- 2045-7634
- eISSN
- 2045-7634
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Grant note
- University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Research
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/2025
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Surgery; Center for Social Science Innovation; Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984801617702771
Metrics
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