For subscribers
For lung cancer patients, shame is a deadly side effect
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
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
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.


