Charlesworth, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3584-2729 and Ashmore, Russell (2026) Exploring the Perceived Impact of Stigma on the Cancer Experience of People with Severe Mental Illness. Journal of cancer survivorship.

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Abstract

Purpose
People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience disparities in cancer care, including delayed diagnosis, poorer symptom management, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals with SMI who have also been diagnosed with cancer.
Methods
A qualitative, grounded theory study was conducted with 11 adults in England with lived experience of both SMI and cancer. Participants were recruited via NHS and voluntary organisations. Semi-structured interviews, conducted via telephone or video call were transcribed verbatim. Coding progressed through initial, focused and theoretical coding alongside constant comparative methods and memoing.
Results
Stigma emerged as a main theme, derived through participant explanations of limited information sharing, restricted involvement in decision making, and the misattribution of physical symptoms to mental illness. These perceived forms of stigma contributed to delays in cancer diagnosis, reduced opportunities for informed decision making, and feelings of disempowerment. Collectively, they reinforced existing health inequities and negatively affected participants’ mental and physical wellbeing throughout their cancer care and beyond.
Conclusions
Structural and public stigma intersect, resulting in health-related stigma, creating barriers across cancer care pathways for people with SMI. Stigma may compromise quality care and contribute to poorer clinical and experiential outcomes in people with cancer and SMI.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
Interventions are needed to reduce stigmatising behaviours and beliefs in healthcare settings, to distribute power within clinical settings, and promote shared, person-centred decision making to ensure comprehensive information provision and recognition of patient expertise. Collectively, these actions may improve early diagnosis, cancer symptom management, recovery, and overall quality of life for cancer survivors with SMI.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1007/s11764-026-02033-1
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
Institutes:	Institute for Health and Care Improvement
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/14721

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