Background: A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can profoundly disrupt an individual’s life, often prompting a reevaluation of personal goals, relationships, and self-identity. Qualitative research has documented experiences of emotional transformation, altered life priorities, and personal growth in cancer survivors. Many struggle to maintain normalcy while adapting to a reality shaped by the illness. This study is motivated by a critical gap in cancer care, that is, a holistic understanding of patients’ lived experiences in their journey. The study aimed to explore key aspects of cancer patients’ experiences, including disease-related factors, as well as their psychosocial and emotional transitions over time. Methods: A qualitative research design was adopted using in-depth interviews (life course transition approach). The study employed a life course perspective to examine the cancer journey across three primary thematic phases: (a) Initial diagnosis —exploring both the negative and positive impacts of receiving a cancer diagnosis; (b) Confinement and restrictions —addressing the emotional and psychological effects following diagnosis, including lifestyle changes and limitations; and (c) Obstacles of the cancer journey —identifying ongoing challenges during treatment and survivorship. Each phase encapsulated a range of biopsychosocial factors (codes), which were categorized as either negative (e.g., deterioration of health, treatment side effects, emotional distress, financial burden) or positive (e.g., support from family, friends, and healthcare providers that foster resilience and coping). Results: The study revealed that the cancer journey unfolds in distinct yet interconnected phases starting from diagnosis, and carried through treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. Each phase presents a set of unique challenges and thus the corresponding transitions in the life course. Psychosocioeconomic dimensions, particularly social support, stigma, sense of contagion, individual coping mechanisms resilience, role of health insurance have emerged as pivotal in influencing patients’ health trajectories. Importantly, effective communication with healthcare providers and the consistent delivery of patient-centered care facilitate smoother transitions. Conclusion: This research highlights the critical role of psychosocial and financial determinants and the importance of phase-to-phase continuity in cancer care. The findings underscore that effective healthcare communication and a patient-centered approach are essential for supporting patients through the evolving complexities of their cancer journey.
Sahu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.