Napiętnowani: wyleczeni z raka w miejscu pracy i w towarzystwach ubezpieczeniowych

Agnieszka Pietrzyk

doi:10.31261/CHOWANNA.2004.23.08

Published: 2004-12-30

Vol. 2 No. 23 (2004)

Stigmatized: Cancer Survivors in the Workplace and by Insurance Companies

Agnieszka Pietrzyk

Section: Studies and essays

https://doi.org/10.31261/CHOWANNA.2004.23.08

Abstract

The article explores the complex psychosocial consequences of surviving cancer, focusing particularly on the challenges former oncology patients face in the workplace and insurance sector. Although medical recovery is increasingly achievable due to advances in oncology, social adaptation—professional, psychological, and interpersonal—often remains a significant struggle. The author analyzes the stigmatization and discrimination that cancer survivors experience in professional environments, which may take both overt and subtle forms, such as job rejections, demotions, exclusion, or ostracism by coworkers. The article emphasizes the influence of persistent social myths about cancer (e.g., that it is incurable or contagious) on how former patients are treated. Additionally, it discusses systemic barriers imposed by insurance companies, which continue to perceive cancer survivors as high-risk clients despite medical evidence of full recovery. The author points to the need for empirical studies in psycho-oncology and calls for targeted psychological interventions and educational efforts to support reintegration and counteract discrimination.

Keywords:

cancer , stigma , discrimination , cured , insurance companies , oncology patients , psychological help

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Pietrzyk, A. (2004). Stigmatized: Cancer Survivors in the Workplace and by Insurance Companies. Chowanna, 2(23), 99–108. https://doi.org/10.31261/CHOWANNA.2004.23.08

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Vol. 2 No. 23 (2004)
Published: 2025-08-18

ISSN: 0137-706X

eISSN: 2353-9682

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Stigmatized: Cancer Survivors in the Workplace and by Insurance Companies

Abstract

Keywords:

Agnieszka Pietrzyk

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