Influence of label and academic field on cancer stigma and subjective illness theories among medicine and psychology students: a cross-sectional online study

Abstract

Abstract The growing population of cancer survivors faces psychosocial challenges, including stigma. This study examined stigma toward “persons with cancer” and “cancer survivors” among medicine and psychology students, focusing on the impact of labeling. Additionally, the study explored these students’ subjective illness theories of cancer. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 186 psychology and 179 medicine students from German universities, assessing stigmatizing attitudes using a modified Social Distance Scale and subjective illness theories. Participants were randomly assigned to items using either term. Data analysis included univariate two-factorial ANOVA, Mann-Whitney-U-tests, and Kruskall-Wallis-tests. Results showed the strongest stigma for having a person with cancer/cancer survivor as a son-/daughter-in-law, and the lowest for having them as neighbors. Medicine students endorsed more stigmatizing statements with the label “cancer survivors,” while psychology students did so with the label “persons with cancer.” Subjective illness theories differed between groups. The study highlights minimal stigma endorsement among both student groups, with labeling influencing attitudes. These findings emphasize the need for educational initiatives in health professional curricula to address stigmatization and encourage compassionate patient care.