Dannell Boatman, an assistant professor in the WVU School of Medicine and a cancer communication researcher with the WVU Cancer Institute, said warning labels on products such as tobacco may inadvertently contribute to a stigma that could result in the delay of screenings or treatments. (WVU Photo)
A West Virginia University expert says while warning labels can help people make informed decisions about health risks associated with a behavior or product, they can also inadvertently contribute to a stigma that may result in the delay of screenings or treatments.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently called for updating labels on alcoholic beverages, like those on cigarette packages, to include risks associated with seven types of cancer. The final decision would be up to members of Congress.
Dannell Boatman, an assistant professor in the WVU School of Medicine and a cancer communication researcher with the WVU Cancer Institute Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science or CHATS Lab whose work has focused on lung cancer screening messaging, said the key to effective messaging is taking a balanced approach that builds public urgency while avoiding stigmatizing language.
She is also a member of the National Lung Cancer Roundtable’s Stigma and Nihilism Task Group.
Quotes:
“There are mixed research findings on the effectiveness of warning labels to deter or change specific health behaviors.
“Health campaigns based on fear can be useful in reaching the public, but they can also have unintended consequences, such as stigmatizing people engaging in specific behaviors, like smoking or drinking.
“It is important to consider potential parallels between warning labels on cigarettes and the proposed warning labels on alcohol. Lung cancer is stigmatized, and people who smoke are often blamed or shamed for their cancer. This can contribute to poor health outcomes as people who smoke might delay life-saving cancer screenings or treatments because they may feel that they are being stereotyped or judged. Like smoking, alcohol use can be addictive and is frequently stigmatized.
“Warning labels focused on fear alone may contribute to the stigmatization of alcohol-related cancers. There needs to be a balance between increasing public urgency through these warning labels and not stigmatizing others.
“Including more holistic messages on warning labels could help individuals and their families feel empowered to make positive health decisions, like reducing alcohol consumption or quitting smoking.” — Dannell Boatman, assistant professor, Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, WVU School of Medicine, and researcher, WVU Cancer Institute
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, areas of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVUToday.
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