The Hidden Battle: Lung Cancer Stigma and the Power of Speaking Up

In this special re-release of Hope With Answers, lung cancer advocate Jill Feldman tackles a challenge that most patients never see coming—stigma. Originally aired in January 2020, this candid and emotional episode sheds light on the damaging assumptions patients face and how words can wound, even when well-intentioned. From doctors and friends to complete strangers, the first question many patients hear is: “Did you smoke?” It's a question that implies blame—and lung cancer survivors like Jill Feldman have heard it far too often. In this episode, Jill teams up with journalist Steven Petrow to unpack the emotional toll of these encounters and offer advice on how to respond with grace and strength. You'll also hear from Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher investigating why young, non-smoking women are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer. Her work helps shift public perception and challenges outdated assumptions about who gets lung cancer—and why. This episode explores: The real impact of stigma on lung cancer patients How language shapes the patient experience What not to say to someone with lung cancer How empathy and civility can reshape conversations Groundbreaking research on lung cancer in non-smokers Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will change the way you think—and talk—about lung cancer. Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video