Shaping Strength Through Shared Paths: The Lived Experiences of Oncology Patients in Palliative Support Group Interventions

This study explored the experiences of oncology patients participating in palliative support group programs using an exploratory qualitative design grounded in Edmund Husserl's descriptive phenomenology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine adult cancer patients receiving or completing advanced cancer treatment and palliative care in Taguig City, Philippines. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step thematic method, ensuring rigor through member checking and peer debriefing. Five key themes emerged: transformative fellowship, hope and emotional resilience, shared responsibility, redefined strength and optimism, and vulnerability through seeking support. Findings revealed that participation reduced emotional isolation, enhanced coping, and helped patients redefine strength by accepting support. The study highlights the value of structured support groups in addressing emotional, relational, and existential needs beyond medical treatment. It provides a foundation for developing research-based palliative support programs and recommends integrating structured psychosocial support into standard oncology care.