Surviving Cancer Surgery, Rebuilding Life: A Qualitative Exploration of Cancer Survivors’ Lived Experiences From a Developing Country

Abstract Purpose This study explored the experiences of cancer surgery survivors in Osun State, Nigeria, with attention to psychosocial adjustment, quality of life, economic burden, spiritual meaning-making, and coping after surgery. Methods A qualitative exploratory design guided the study. Nineteen adult survivors of breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers were purposively recruited from three tertiary hospitals in Osun State. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, supported by Atlas.ti version 25. The Biopsychosocial Model of Wellness and the Adversity–Restoration–Compatibility framework informed interpretation. Results Four themes were identified: emotional reaction and spiritual interpretation of illness; psychosocial coping and resilience; economic burden and financial coping strategies; and resilience in the recovery journey. Participants described denial, sadness, fear, and existential disruption after diagnosis and surgery. Over time, acceptance, cognitive reframing, family support, and faith-based meaning-making supported emotional adjustment. Financial toxicity, disrupted employment, treatment costs, and dependence on relatives or charitable assistance shaped recovery and quality of life. Conclusions Cancer survivorship after surgery in this setting extends beyond physical recovery. Survivors negotiated psychological distress, spiritual interpretation, social role disruption, and financial strain while reconstructing identity and hope. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Surgical oncology services in Nigeria should integrate psychosocial assessment, culturally sensitive spiritual care, financial counselling, and structured survivorship support to improve long-term wellbeing and quality of life.