Lived Experiences of Adults Newly Diagnosed with Cancer in a Level 2 Hospital in Antipolo City

Cancer diagnosis profoundly affects adults’ emotions, relationships, routines, finances, and outlook, requiring compassionate care and a deeper understanding of their experiences during early treatment, adjustment, and recovery processes. A qualitative phenomenological design was used among nine purposively selected adults newly diagnosed with cancer in a Level 2 hospital in Antipolo City. Data were gathered through a validated structured interview guide reviewed by two oncology physicians and one cancer care nurse, with interviews continuing until thematic saturation was achieved. Findings generated ten themes: emotional shock; fear and family concern; disrupted routines and roles; emotional and financial burden; strengthened relationships; faith-based and positive coping; family, social, financial, and spiritual support; compassionate healthcare; personal transformation; and hope, treatment adherence, and the will to fight. Participants described fear, denial, uncertainty, treatment difficulties, financial strain, family motivation, prayer, resilience, and renewed appreciation of life. The study concluded that newly diagnosed adults experienced cancer as a complex emotional, physical, social, financial, and spiritual journey. Adjustment was strengthened by family support, compassionate healthcare, faith, positive thinking, and active participation in treatment, which helped participants move from fear toward acceptance, resilience, renewed purpose, and greater appreciation of life. Healthcare facilities should strengthen patient-centered oncology services, psychosocial counseling, financial navigation, family education, spiritual support, and continuity of care. Nurses should use holistic assessment and therapeutic communication, while patients and families should actively participate in treatment, coping, and supportive decision-making.