Lung Cancer Stigma Communications Assessment Tool (LCS-CAT)
The Lung Cancer Stigma – Communications Assessment Tool (LCS-CAT) is designed to help lung cancer content developers and organizations (e.g., cancer centers and health systems, professional societies, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and private companies, etc.) evaluate and modify the language, imagery, and contexts used to engage the lung cancer community with the goal of removing and replacing potentially stigmatizing language, imagery, and contexts. Based on a comprehensive definition of lung cancer stigma developed by the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable Stigma and Nihilism Task Group, the LCS-CAT addresses three major domains: (1) language, (2) imagery, and (3) context. To address the three domains, the LCS-CAT includes an Audit Tool to help identify potentially stigmatizing content and an Alternatives Guide to inform modifications that infuse empathy and optimism.
This tool was featured as part of the ACS Comprehensive Cancer Coalitions’ webinar “Overcoming Stigma as a Barrier to Equitable Lung Cancer Care” on July 10, 2024.
For Assessing Existing Materials
Use these materials to help you assess the language, imagery, and context of your materials for potential lung cancer stigma, prejudice, or discrimination. These worksheets help you identify and reflect on the elements of your content to help you avoid distributing materials that may contribute to lung cancer stigma.
For Creating New Materials
These guides will help you consider the language, imagery, and context of your materials as they are newly created, or being reassessed after using the audit tools above.
