TAF PUBLISHING

This qualitative study explored and described the experiences of individuals diagnosed with and suffering from cancer as they transitioned back into ordinary life after treatment as cancer survivors. The sample consisted of 14 cancer survivors in Thailand at least 1 year after treatment. The data were collected during in-depth interviews lasting from 60 to 120 minutes per person for a period of 1 month (January 15 - February 15, 2016). The questions were open-ended in order to gather the perspectives of the participants with regard to their experiences and all data were analyzed by Triangulation technique. The results revealed five major qualitative themes through content analysis of the in-depth interview data. The themes described how the psychological and emotional concerns of the participants changed over time, and were as follows: (1) Family and Social Support, (2) Positive Thinking, (3) Religious Belief, (4) Living in Fear and Uncertainty and (5) Social Isolation. Most people who have survived cancer received support from both their family and society. These findings may help other researchers to use qualitative research with focus groups or in other programs with the aim of helping people survive cancer and enjoy a better quality of life.