Aporu, Faith2026-09-032026-09-032026APA stylehttps://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/9284Background: Gynaecological cancers (GC) are the commonest cancers among females worldwide and constitute 14.4 to 18% of all cancers in the World. Relatedly, Uganda has a high burden of gynecological cancers due to the high incidence of cervical cancer which contributed to 43% of all cancers in 2019. Although gynaecological cancers are generally associated with untold morbidity and mortality, the elderly are disproportionately affected owing to their increased likelihood of physical fragility, comorbid states and socioeconomic challenges. Primary caregivers of these patients as well face physical, social and psychological burdens as they care for these patients. Although some studies have been done to explore the lived experiences of GC, little is known about this special age category. Aim: This study therefore sought to explore the lived experiences of GC patients and their primary caregivers (PCG) at Mbale Regional referral hospital (MRRH). Methods. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study design was used. In total 11 patients and 11 primary caregivers were recruited purposively at Mbale Regional referral hospital. Data was collected through in-depth one on one interviews. Clarke and Braun approach were used to conduct qualitative thematic analysis using Dedoose 10th version to code and generate themes. Themes and subthemes were then constructed using inductive thematic analysis. Results. Six themes were constructed from patients’ data (i) Journey to cancer diagnosis where patients experienced delayed diagnosis due to limited awareness and misinterpretation of early signs; (ii) pathway to caregiving role where primary caregiving role was assumed circumstantially or as a sense of obligation (iii)Response to cancer diagnosis where the diagnosis triggered emotional distress, fear of death and sleep disruption though acceptance gradually emerged through faith and resilience (iv) The physical burden, functional decline and dependence which manifested as disturbing bodily changes, pain, fatigue and functional decline which led to dependence on caregivers; (iv) Socioeconomic experiences and survival amidst living with cancer which was profound with loss of income, food insecurity, strained marriages and education leading to reliance on children and relatives for survival (v) copying mechanisms where copying was sustained through family and social support, faith in god and perseverance. Conclusion. Elderly gynaecological cancer patients and their caregivers experience deep physical, emotional and social burdens but show resilience through copying strategies. This emphasizes the urgent need for strengthened nursing practice, culturally sensitive psychosocial support and policy interventions to improve oncology care. Keywords: lived experiences, elderly, Gynaecological oncology, patient and primary caregiverenThesis