Abstract

Cancer-related stigma remains a major barrier to early detection, timely treatment, and quality of life among 
patients. This review investigates how societal expectations and gender roles shape differences in cancer-related 
stigma and health-seeking behavior. Evidence suggests that men and women experience stigma differently due to 
cultural norms, expectations of masculinity and femininity, and variations in caregiving and disclosure practices. 
Men often delay seeking medical care due to ideals of toughness and self-reliance, while women may encounter 
heightened stigma related to reproductive and body-image concerns, particularly in breast and cervical cancers. 
Disclosure patterns also differ, with women more likely to seek social support but at times facing judgment, while 
men often conceal their diagnosis to maintain social status. Addressing these gendered differences is essential for 
designing culturally sensitive interventions, reducing stigma, and improving cancer outcomes globally.