Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of cervical
cancer patients. The study engaged a sample of fifteen cervical cancer patients
selected through purposive sampling. The interpretative paradigm was used to
guide the study since the emphasis of the research was on lived experiences of
cervical cancer patients. Semi-structured interviews facilitated data collection
while the Interpretative Phenomenological Approach was adopted for data
analysis. The study generally confirmed the Biopsychosocial-spiritual model
(BPS—spiritual) of health and disease. Most women with cervical cancer, in
this current study, were confronted with physical, psychological, social,
spiritual and health system related problems which exacerbated their general
being. The biopsychocial approach to health and illness is suitable in the
management of symptoms and treatment of cervical cancer patients since the
approach takes into account all the dimensions of human experience. Health
professionals should step up educational programmes on cervical cancer and
adopt a national health policy to immunize women and girls against human
papillomavirus (HPV).
