Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women and is associated with profound emotional and psychosocial consequences. While survival rates have improved, the psychological and social burden continues to affect women’s quality of life, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. Understanding patient perspectives and coping mechanisms is essential to enhance holistic and culturally sensitive cancer care. Objective: To qualitatively explore patient perspectives, emotional challenges, and coping strategies during the diagnosis and treatment journey of breast cancer among women in the Lahore region of Pakistan. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological approach was employed over eight months in tertiary care hospitals and oncology centers in Lahore. Using purposive sampling, 22 women aged 25 years and above, diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 18 months, were interviewed through semi-structured, in-depth sessions. Data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s framework using NVivo 12 software. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to participation. Results: Five overarching themes and thirteen subthemes emerged: emotional turmoil and uncertainty (shock, fear, and exhaustion), impact on identity and body image (loss of femininity and altered self-view), social support and relationships (family strength, community care, and stigma), coping strategies and adaptation (spiritual reliance, positive reframing, and routine rebuilding), and healthcare experiences and expectations (empathy, communication, and unmet psychosocial needs). Participants expressed distress yet demonstrated resilience through faith, family, and optimism. Conclusion: Women with breast cancer in Lahore face emotional, social, and existential challenges throughout their illness journey. Culturally tailored psychosocial interventions addressing these five thematic domains are vital to improve holistic cancer care and patient well-being.