Between hope and hardship: Lived experiences and quality of life among cancer patients in Kashmir

Objective Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and imposes significant psychosocial burdens. Beyond physical illness, patients experience psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation, particularly during active treatment. In Kashmir, cultural factors such as stigma, religious values, and gender norms strongly influence illness perception and coping; however, qualitative studies exploring lived experiences during treatment remain limited. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences, quality of life, and coping mechanisms of cancer patients in Kashmir during active treatment.Methods A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted in July 2025 at radiation oncology department. Twenty adult inpatients with cancer were recruited purposively. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted in Urdu or Kashmiri using open-ended guides. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed following IPA principles. Researcher reflexivity and analytic memos were employed to enhance rigor.Results The mean age of participants was 58.15 ± 17.08 years, with breast cancer being the most common diagnosis (30%). Through an iterative and interpretative analytic process, we identified five major themes and fifteen subthemes: family as both support and a source of silence or detachment; pervasive psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia; spirituality as a key coping mechanism; social isolation and altered interpersonal relationships; and uncertainty regarding treatment and prognosis. These findings reflect the complex interplay of familial, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions shaping patient experiences during treatment.Conclusion Cancer patients in Kashmir experience multidimensional challenges influenced by cultural and social contexts. Culturally sensitive psycho-oncology interventions that address psychological distress, family dynamics, and spiritual coping are essential to improve quality of life.