How do I cope with cancer diagnosis when people blame my smoking?

Hi Kathryn, I don’t know how long you smoked or when/if you quit. I think for non small cell lung cancer it doesn’t really have a cause. I have non small cell adenocarcinoma in both lungs now! I was a smoker for 12 years but quit over forty years ago. My doctor told me getting this was just “bad luck”. I was diagnosed 8/24. I went through chemo/imuno therapy and then has a 13CM tumor removed. They took the whole lower right lobe. The doctors said I was cured but last month my CT scan showed a tumor in my left lingula which has now been removed. Chemo and Imuno did not do anything to my tumor. I am not going back in that. I am on a trial now and will talk about it more in the months to come! This is very scary. Don’t stop looking for treatment. Get second, third , forth opinions. These different hospitals/doctors don’t seem to talk to each other. You will do fine and tell the people who give you crap about smoking that you do not need their negativity. Be well!

I am was also a smoker. Praying for you. Stay strong honey

Yeah. Especially health care people can seem to be blaming because you smoked. But there is more to it. And the vast majority of smokers do not get cancer. Do the best you can to ignore them.

Facing judgment from others during such a vulnerable time can feel incredibly isolating, especially when dealing with a new cancer diagnosis. Many people in this community have experienced similar reactions and understand that blame and shame have no place in cancer support - everyone deserves compassion and care regardless of their history. Consider connecting with the clinical care experts through the Ask Outcomes4Me box on the app's home screen for more personalized guidance as you navigate treatment decisions and build your support network.

Hi! NSC adenocarcinoma here... That's terrible! We are here to support you from all over!! I also smoked 25 years. You got this. Stay positive 😊