Table 1 Exploratory factor analysis of stigma-related cancer

Awkwardness

 I would feel at ease around someone with cancer (R)

 I would feel comfortable around someone with cancer (R)

 I would find it difficult being around someone with cancer

 I would find it hard to talk to someone with cancer

 I would feel embarrassed discussing cancer with someone who had it

Severity

 Once you’ve had cancer you’re never ‘normal’ again

 Having cancer usually ruins a person’s Career

 Getting cancer means having to mentally prepare oneself for death

 Cancer usually ruins close personal relationships

 Cancer devastates the lives of those it touches

Avoidance

 If a colleague had cancer I would try to avoid them

 I would distance myself physically from someone with cancer

 I would feel irritated by someone with cancer

 I would feel angered by someone with cancer

 I would try to avoid a person with cancer

Policy opposition

 More government funding should be spent on the care and treatment of those with cancer (R)

 Increased spending on cancer services is a waste of money*

 The needs of people with cancer should be given top priority (R)

 We have a responsibility to provide the best possible care for people with cancer (R)

Personal responsibility

 A person with cancer is liable for their condition

 A person with cancer is accountable for their condition

 If a person has cancer it’s probably their fault

 A person with cancer is to blame for their condition

Financial discrimination

 It is acceptable for banks to refuse to make loans to people with cancer

 Banks should be allowed to refuse mortgage applications for cancer-related reasons

 It is acceptable for insurance companies to reconsider a policy if someone has cancer