Research Information System
European Journal of Oncology Nursing, vol.80, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
Purpose Cancer is a journey that the patients and their families must undertake and navigate together, mutually influencing each other throughout the process. This qualitative study aimed to explore how older patients undergoing chemotherapy and their family caregivers experience the cancer and treatment process from a psychosocial perspective. Methods A descriptive, qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected between October 2022 and March 2023, through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with the assistance of Maxqda software. Results Thirty participants (18 older patients and 12 family caregivers) were included. Three main themes were identified: (1) emerging role, (2) interpersonal dynamics, and (3) efforts to adapt. Subthemes varied between patients and caregivers, while five were shared across both groups: indirect communication, anger management difficulties, social disruption, avoidance, and process-oriented meaning-making. Conclusion This study demonstrated that older patients with cancer and their caregivers face significant emotional and social challenges, which often overlap. Tailored psychosocial interventions that focus on enhancing direct communication between patients and caregivers, supporting the management of anger and emotional strain, and reducing avoidant coping strategies may promote healthier adjustment and improve caregiving experiences. Interventions that maintain patient independence while alleviating caregiver burden should be prioritized in future research.