Lung cancer stigma

Just watched the clip on Good Morning Britain about lung cancer. What is repeatedly emphasised is that you do not need to have smoked to get lung cancer. While that is undoubtedly true, what if you did smoke ? Do we hide under a rock in shame ? I avoid telling people what cancer I have because of the stigma.First question is nearly always ‘Did you smoke’ . Almost as though you need to judged whether you deserve sympathy or not !

Sorry rant over,

  • I totally agree with you I worried about being judged I did smoke (Did give up when I was diagnosed) there are millions of people who smoke and luckily do not get Cancer. 
    Cancer is Cancer at the end of the day we did not ask for it hope you are supported by family and friend's. 
    Try and ignore negative people. 
    YOU GOT THIS 

  • I gave up 15 years ago. Depends on mood if asked if I smoked. Either ‘only after sex’ or a friendly lecture on why that is an inappropriate question.

  • WOW 15 years that’s amazing well done NO it should not be a question that is put to you  have only been 5 years smoke free 

  • To be honest it is none of anyone’s business if and when someone has stopped smoking. It is a matter to be discussed with your doctor only. I feel it is important not to judge anyone, you do not know their circumstances.

  • 100% agree I hope lots of people read your post and gain courage from it to stand up to those who judge x

  • This is a really good observation Ysta. The fact you have lung cancer is bad enough without poorly informed people trying to blame you. There are many causes for lung cancer other than smoking. My sin was long term exposure to the sun because of my outdoor occupation now incurable metastatic skin cancer. Should people scorn me for not being more careful, while they themselves take an annual beach holiday. One in two people will get cancer and the last thing they deserve is somebody telling them that they only have themselves to blame. Anyway you have my sympathy for enduring these comments.

    Ed

  • Smoked till 60 on and off. Stopped on 60th birthday now 86 and just had radiotherapy for lung cancer, reduced it but don't know what happens next another CT scan in 3 months

  • I had lung cancer, both lungs, lobectomy on both almost 5 years ago now.

    I do know what you mean about the smoking stigma but  honestly that faded after time .

    I don’t think like that anymore .

    Just concentrate on you getting through this and if people like to be judging, we have no control over that.

    Sending you  a good luck Hug 

  • I'm 76 and for all my early life tobacco companies were spending a fortune on advertising, including paying doctors to say it was harmless or even good for you. In fact our GP advised my aunty to take up smoking to help with her nerves. I just tell people this when they talk about if I smoked or not, or sometimes if I'm really fed up. I lie. None of their business.