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For lung cancer patients, shame is a deadly side effect

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Jim Pantelas in the living room of his home in Howell, Michigan, Jan 9, 2026.

When Mr Jim Pantelas was diagnosed with lung cancer at 52, he felt that he had brought this disease upon himself.

PHOTO: EMILY ELCONIN/NYTIMES

Simar Bajaj

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NEW YORK – When Mr Jim Pantelas was diagnosed with lung cancer at 52, he felt that he had brought this disease upon himself.

Having started smoking at age 12, the Navy veteran, now in his early 70s, was consumed by shame – certain that cancer was his punishment.

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