BACKGROUND:

The diagnosis of an oncological disease exposes people to a greater state of vulnerability and health care models are not focused on their subjective needs. In this scenario, the primary nurse becomes a professional who contributes to the comprehensive care of people with cancer.

AIM:

To understand the lived experience of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment, when being cared for by a primary nurse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Qualitative phenomenological study. Nine cancer survivors who were cared for by primary nurses during chemotherapy were interviewed.

RESULTS:

The analysis revealed two comprehensive categories, namely experiences around becoming ill with cancer, and experiences when navigating the health system, each with subcategories.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates the impact that personalized attention focused on people's needs has on their lives. It also contributes to visualize the work of primary nurses in the care and accompaniment of patients with cancer and their families. The need for specialized professionals such as Advanced Practice Nursing is underlined.