Oluwaseyifunmi Andi Agbejule, Fiona Crawford-Williams, Ria Joseph, Kim Hobbs, Carla Thamm, Sue Woodall, Ashleigh R Sharman, Joe Wing Pun, Monique Bareham, Jenny Richards, James Scheibner, Catherine Paterson, Raymond J Chan
Cancer-related discrimination arises from cultural, institutional, and structural mechanisms, with significant impacts on quality of life and health. Coordinated policy, legal, institutional, and public education responses are required to address these challenges.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review examines the available qualitative evidence from systematic and scoping reviews, and mixed-methods or qualitative studies on cancer-related discrimination.
METHODS: Cancer-related discrimination was defined as direct and recurring experiences of enacted stigma, behaviours, or unfair treatment based on an individual's cancer history, current cancer diagnosis, perceived cancer risk, or cancer caregiving role. A systematic search of ProQuest databases, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, APA PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science identified peer-reviewed research published before December 13, 2025. Two independent reviewers screened studies, and data were narratively synthesised using the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework (i.e., drivers and system-level facilitators; discrimination experiences; impacts).
RESULTS: In total, 116 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 83 qualitative studies, 23 mixed-method, nine systematic reviews, and one scoping review. Cancer-related discrimination was reported across four contexts: (1) familial and social; (2) hiring and workplace; (3) insurance and welfare; and (4) healthcare. Discrimination drivers included misconceptions that cancer is contagious, employer concerns about productivity and costs, rigid welfare regulations, and reduced public empathy for cancers perceived as 'self-inflicted'. Reported experiences ranged from social exclusion and bullying, to workplace dismissals, job rejections, and barriers to insurance or financial support. In healthcare contexts, provider blame, judgement, and strained patient-clinician interactions were reported. Impacts of discrimination included self-isolation, concealment of diagnosis, internalised stigma, psychological distress, financial burden, and delayed treatment-seeking.
CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-related discrimination arises from cultural, institutional, and structural mechanisms, with significant impacts on quality of life and health. Coordinated policy, legal, institutional, and public education responses are required to address these challenges.