CDI Researcher Co-Authors Commentary Urging Updated Perspectives and Renewed Compassion in Lung Cancer

Lisa Carter-Bawa Ph.D., collaborates in journal publication seeking changes in lung cancer views to foster compassion and hope, reflecting care progress.

More compassion and understanding must be part of a significant shift in societal and medical perspectives of lung-cancer care, according to a new paper by a scientist from the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI).

The article in the Annals of Internal Medicine is co-led by by Lisa Carter-Bawa Ph.D., MPH, APRN, ANP-C, FAAN and Jamie L. Studts, PhD, in collaboration with her fellow members of the Stigma and Nihilism Task Group of the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT).

The authors highlight the high-level friction between rapid progress in lung cancer treatment, and persistent, outdated views still prevalent in today’s society.

Despite improved survival rates due to breakthroughs in screening, diagnosis, and treatment, prevailing nihilism and fatalism continue to negatively impact patient care and well-being, according to Dr. Carter-Bawa and colleagues. 

“This commentary calls upon clinicians and the public to foster an environment of hope and optimism,” said Dr. Carter-Bawa. “The medical community must recognize that lung cancer is a disease for which risk can be reduced, early detection is possible, and treatments can be effective.”

The piece outlines actionable recommendations, including the use of empathetic, person-first language by healthcare providers, normalizing discussions about tobacco without judgment, and increasing public awareness of treatment successes. 

It also calls for more equitable research funding to continue the positive momentum in combating the disease, building on Dr. Carter-Bawa’s long-term passion for, and work toward quelling the stigmatization of lung cancer screening and treatment in her time as director of the CDI’s Cancer Prevention Precision Control Institute (CPPCI).

“I’m thrilled to be part of a team committed to the ideals of dispelling patient fatalism and nihilism in such diagnoses that too often reflect clinical cynicism,” said Dr. Carter-Bawa. “With a blameless attitude, a positive approach, and a community-outreach focus, we can make further progress in the national and global fight against lung cancer.”