A phenomenological study on lived in experiences with cancer among patients admitted at R.L Jalappa hospital and research center

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals, families, and communities. The experiences of cancer patients who are diagnosed with cancer at an early stage differ from patients who reached at terminal stage. The current study is an effort to know the lived-in experiences of cancer patients who were diagnosed with cancer and taking treatment at R. L. Jalapa Hospital and Research Center (RLJHRC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a phenomenological study design. Twelve cancer patients diagnosed with cancer and taking treatment at the oncology unit of RLJHRC were selected for the study using a purposive sampling technique. All patients were interviewed using open-ended questionnaires through focus group discussions in a quiet conference room to maintain privacy. The time taken was approximately 60 min to collect data and verbatim transcription. RESULTS: Study results revealed that all cancer patients were females, the majority (33%) were aged between 51 and 60 years, 59% were not having a formal education, and 83% were residing in urban areas. From the study, six themes were extracted, and they were uncertainty, dependent on family, stigma and discrimination, family influence, and believing God with hope and gratitude. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that cancer patients had undergone various psychological problems from the time of diagnosis to treatment. Hence, efforts need to be taken by the concerned authorities to conduct counseling services for these patients and families.

Keywords

• cancer patients
• cancer
• lived-in experience
• phenomenological study
• and qualitative research