A Pilot Study for the Development and Evaluation of an Educational Program to Reduce Stigma Toward Cancer and Cancer Survivors: Focusing on Dating and Marriage After Cancer Diagnosis.

The marriage rate of cancer survivors is lower than that of the general population and their siblings. This appears to be attributable to negative images and stigma in society regarding cancer and cancer survivors. In order to improve images and decrease stigma regarding cancer and cancer survivors, this study aimed to develop an educational program that primarily focuses on dating and marriage after cancer diagnosis. The education program was conducted for university students, and among 67 participants who attended the education program, 61 participants completed a self-report questionnaire both before and after the program. The questionnaire included measures to assess reluctance to date or marry a cancer survivor, attitudes toward marriage and having children, and level of empathy. Scores on most items assessing reluctance decreased after the program; however, only three items showed a significant decrease: reluctance to date a cancer survivor if cancer recurred or metastasized, and reluctance if one's family objects to dating a cancer survivor. Both before and after the program, disease severity was the main cause for reluctance to date. In addition, empathetic concern was associated with reduced reluctance to date or marry a cancer survivor, while conservative attitudes toward marriage were associated with greater reluctance which was a result of familial concerns regarding such relationships. Some of the reluctance could be attributable to sociocultural values in Asia, where the choice of romantic partner is likely to be subject to familial influence.