Rectal cancer affects almost every aspect of an individual’s daily life. However, there are gaps in understanding the complete spectrum of experiences spanning from diagnosis to recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological approach, seven participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured, in- depth interviews that were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Study rigour was established following the four-dimension criteria of credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. Four prominent themes emerged from the participants’ experiences of undergoing rectal cancer treatment: uncovering the inner battles; navigating the physical challenges; anchors of support and conquering the summit. These findings contribute to knowledge and practice by highlighting the importance of providing a comprehensive and individualised treatment plan for
individuals that takes account of the physical and psycho-emotional implications of rectal cancer treatment.
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Lung Cancer Patients Attending a Nurse-Led Follow-Up Clinic: A Qualitative Study
Background: Lung cancer causes approximately 48,000 new diagnoses and 35,000 deaths each year in the UK, making it the leading cause of cancer mortality (UK NSC, 2022; Cancer Research UK, 2024). International guidelines consistently recommend routine surveillance for at least five years following curative-intent treatment (ASCO, 2021:, NCCN 2025, ESMO: 2023; NICE 2024). Nurse-led follow-up clinics play a key role in delivering this care, offering holistic, patient-centred support, symptom management, and continuity while alleviating pressure on consultant-led services (De Leeuw & Larsson, 2013; NHS Long Term Plan, 2019). Despite policy endorsement and growing service provision, limited research explores how lung cancer patients experience nurse-led follow-up, particularly within local contexts. Research Design: Participants were adults who had undergone curative intent, lung cancer treatment and were within the five year follow-up period at a nurse-led clinic. Purposive sampling was used to capture a range of experiences across treatment backgrounds and follow up stages. Data Collection and Analysis: Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and adopting an inductive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted to generate rich, in-depth accounts of participants’ experiences. A phenomenological approach reinforced the study, enabling exploration of how participants perceived and made meaning of their follow-up care. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis, supporting the identification of patterns of meaning grounded in participants’ lived experiences. Findings: Five themes were identified: navigating the treatment journey, emotional response, communication and information, feeling supported, and continuity of care. Participants described nurse led care as providing clear and reassuring communication, offering valued continuity with familiar clinicians, and ensuring accessible support through responsive contact routes. Holistic care that addressed emotional, practical, and psychological needs was central to participants’ sense of safety,
confidence, and wellbeing throughout survivorship. Overall, the findings suggest that nurse led clinics offer a unique relational and integrative model of care that extends beyond clinical surveillance alone Conclusion: The study demonstrates that nurse led lung cancer follow up delivers highly valued, person-centred care that meets both clinical and holistic needs. It addresses the research question by illustrating how communication, continuity, accessibility, and holistic support shape patient experience. The findings support further investment in advanced nursing roles and highlight opportunities for future research to refine and strengthen survivorship pathways.
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Lung Cancer Patients Attending a Nurse-Led Follow-Up Clinic: A Qualitative Study
Background: Lung cancer causes approximately 48,000 new diagnoses and 35,000 deaths each year in the UK, making it the leading cause of cancer mortality (UK NSC, 2022; Cancer Research UK, 2024). International guidelines consistently recommend routine surveillance for at least five years following curative-intent treatment (ASCO, 2021:, NCCN 2025, ESMO: 2023; NICE 2024). Nurse-led follow-up clinics play a key role in delivering this care, offering holistic, patient-centred support, symptom management, and continuity while alleviating pressure on consultant-led services (De Leeuw & Larsson, 2013; NHS Long Term Plan, 2019). Despite policy endorsement and growing service provision, limited research explores how lung cancer patients experience nurse-led follow-up, particularly within local contexts. Research Design: Participants were adults who had undergone curative intent, lung cancer treatment and were within the five year follow-up period at a nurse-led clinic. Purposive sampling was used to capture a range of experiences across treatment backgrounds and follow up stages. Data Collection and Analysis: Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and adopting an inductive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted to generate rich, in-depth accounts of participants’ experiences. A phenomenological approach reinforced the study, enabling exploration of how participants perceived and made meaning of their follow-up care. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis, supporting the identification of patterns of meaning grounded in participants’ lived experiences. Findings: Five themes were identified: navigating the treatment journey, emotional response, communication and information, feeling supported, and continuity of care. Participants described nurse led care as providing clear and reassuring communication, offering valued continuity with familiar clinicians, and ensuring accessible support through responsive contact routes. Holistic care that addressed emotional, practical, and psychological needs was central to participants’ sense of safety,
confidence, and wellbeing throughout survivorship. Overall, the findings suggest that nurse led clinics offer a unique relational and integrative model of care that extends beyond clinical surveillance alone Conclusion: The study demonstrates that nurse led lung cancer follow up delivers highly valued, person-centred care that meets both clinical and holistic needs. It addresses the research question by illustrating how communication, continuity, accessibility, and holistic support shape patient experience. The findings support further investment in advanced nursing roles and highlight opportunities for future research to refine and strengthen survivorship pathways.
Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Rectal Cancer Patients
Aim: To explore the lived experiences of rectal cancer patients following diagnosis, treatment and surgery. Background Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer can have a complex treatment trajectory involving a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Patients can now undergo sphincter saving surgery and avoid a permanent colostomy; however more often than not a temporary defunctioning ileostomy is formed to prevent anastomotic dehiscence. Sample and Setting A purposive sample of seven individuals were
recruited and consented to participate within this study: four females and three males, aged 44 – 71 years old. Five of the participants had a temporary defunctioning ileostomy, one had a temporary colostomy, and one had a permanent colostomy. Data Collection and Analysis Semi-structured interviews were utilised, and transcriptions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: consequences of diagnosis, the effects of treatment, communication and outlook on life. Participants reported the shock of their diagnosis and the major challenges they experienced as a consequence of their stoma. Five out of the seven participants stated they would never have chemotherapy again due to the
severe nature of the side effects of the treatment. Surviving cancer changed their outlook on life and many discussed how it changed their lives for the better. Conclusion This study highlighted the complex trajectory rectal cancer patients endure. Participants reported that stoma formation and living with its unpredictability caused a detrimental effect on their physical and psychological wellbeing more than any other part of the treatment plan. However, the findings highlighted the resilience that colorectal cancer patients possess in order to complete their treatments and survive.