As a psychotherapist, I have encountered numerous patients who face the challenges of obesity while navigating healthcare systems. One area where the impact of weight stigma is acutely felt is during cancer screenings.
A study in Current Oncology Reports reported that “the stigma of obesity results in fear, fatalism, alienation, low self-esteem, and embarrassment, all of which contribute to lower adherence to screening and treatment guidelines.” These results shed light on the profound effect that shame can have on obese individuals seeking potentially life-saving screenings.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into the psychological aspects surrounding this issue and explore strategies to address and ease the shame that patients often face during cancer screenings.
Understanding the Impact of Weight Stigma
The arena of weight stigma is a world where judgments and stereotypes take center stage – and where the impact of negative attitudes and beliefs surrounding body weight is anything but subtle. Whether it’s through portrayals in movies, TV shows, or social media – or real-life interactions – weight stigma perpetuates harmful biases and marginalizes individuals based on their size.
A University of Connecticut study noted that “characters with larger bodies depicted in popular TV shows and movies are often negatively stereotyped (e.g., portrayed as greedy, sloppy, or unpopular) and are seen in stereotypical roles (e.g., overeating unhealthy foods and being lazy).”
In everyday life, the issue is just compounded. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) said that weight stigma can have serious social, psychological, and physical effects, such as low self-esteem and negative body image, depression and anxiety, rejection by peers and family, and lower pay at work.
In healthcare settings, discrimination and judgment are preventing people from getting the help they need.
Shame in Cancer Screenings:
Cancer screenings play a vital role in identifying and treating cancer at its early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears are part of the process. However, for obese individuals, these screenings are stressful and embarrassing.
Our society has had a pretty rigid set of beauty standards that idealize a certain body size and shape. If you don’t fit the mold, you don’t feel like you fit in at all. Individuals with a higher body weight or larger body size are judged more harshly.
That’s also because of the misconception that obesity is solely a result of personal choice and lack of willpower. Forget genetics, environment, socioeconomic status, and mental health. The oversimplification of obesity contributes to the shame obese patients experience during cancer screenings. And unfortunately, people begin to skip screenings.
The Fear Factor:
The fear of judgment and the anticipation of negative experiences during cancer screenings can be paralyzing for obese patients.
There’s the worry about fitting into the screening equipment, concerns about personal hygiene or the fear that the healthcare professional is going to say something thoughtless. When all those fears are in someone’s head, it’s hard to push through and keep the appointment. The one-time cancellation turns into a second no-show and a third, leading to a cycle of avoidance that puts their health at risk.
Fatalism and Low Self-Esteem:
Weight stigma can even fuel a sense of fatalism, leading obese patients to believe that their health outcomes are already set in stone because of their weight.
This fatalistic mindset, coupled with low self-esteem, can make individuals feel unworthy of care, including their cancer screenings. The constant self-judgment and negative body image further feed cycle of shame, making it an uphill battle for obese patients to prioritize their health needs at all.
Break the Cycle of Shame
Now that we have looked at the reasons patients are putting off essential healthcare needs, let’s explore how we can all break the cycle and help patients advocate for themselves.
Here are four strategies to address the shame connected to obesity.
Education and Awareness:
Educate healthcare providers about weight stigma and its consequences. By increasing their knowledge about the challenges patients face, healthcare professionals can approach cancer screenings with more empathy, compassion, and sensitivity.
Empowering Communication:
Create an open and non-judgmental environment during screenings. Encourage patients to express their concerns and fears while addressing any potential barriers they might encounter. Emphasize that the focus is on their health and well-being rather than their weight.
Normalizing Diverse Body Sizes:
Promote body diversity and challenge societal ideals. Including diverse body sizes in healthcare materials and advertisements can help reduce the shame obese individuals experience, fostering inclusivity and acceptance.
Supportive Counseling:
Recognize the importance of psychotherapy in addressing the emotional impact of weight stigma. Therapists can help patients develop coping strategies, build self-esteem, and challenge negative beliefs about themselves. Consider effective approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Shame experienced by patients during cancer screenings is a deeply entrenched issue that must be addressed to ensure equal access to healthcare. By understanding the psychological impact of weight stigma, healthcare providers can work toward creating a safe, non-judgmental environment that allows patients to prioritize their health.
By fostering empathy, education, and awareness, we can ultimately save lives. Let us strive for a healthcare system that treats every individual with dignity, respect, and understanding.
At Oaks Counseling Associates, we believe in the power of education and awareness. If you or someone you know is struggling with shame and low self-esteem, reach out. Let us support you on your journey toward a healthier and happier life.
This blog post is written by Jenny Saladino Bradley M.S
Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate
Saladino is supervised by Jill Ahrens Tucker Lic# TX 61830
