The lived experiences of individuals with early stage non-small cell lung cancer following lung surgery: A rapid ethnographic approach

Background: Individuals with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often show reduced exercise capacity and physical activity (PA) after surgery, with or without (neo-)adjuvant therapy. However, understanding of peoples’ lived-lives following lung cancer diagnosis and surgery remains unknown. Objective: This study aimed to deeper understand how lung cancer diagnosis and surgery shape individuals’ daily lives within one to three months post-surgery. Methods: Adults (18+) with stage I–IIIA NSCLC were recruited one to three months after surgery or (neo-)adjuvant therapy including radio-/chemo-/immunotherapy. A rapid ethnographic approach was used. Participants were observed at home during three two-hour visits, with a semi-structured interview during the last visit. Field notes and transcripts were thematically analyzed in Atlas.ti using a hybrid approach. Initial themes were deductively guided by the 14-domain TDF and inductively refined. Final themes were mapped onto the COM-B model. Results: 16 individuals (69% female; 69±7 years; 3820±2207 steps/day; 6±8 min/day moderate-to-vigorous PA; 44% received (neo-)adjuvant therapy) participated in home observations (86h total, range 4-6h) and a semi-structured interview during the last visit (383min total, range 16-44min). Four key themes were identified; 1) Physical consequences affecting daily life; 2) Emotional and social coping; 3) Motivation and barriers influencing PA and rehabilitation; 4) Gaps in education and guidance. Conclusion: Lung cancer surgery (with or without (neo-)adjuvant therapy) causes physical, emotional, and social challenges that impair daily life. PA and engagement to rehabilitation is often limited by symptoms and contextual barriers. Tailored rehabilitation addressing individuals’ living conditions, physical, and emotional needs are considered crucial for recovery.