The experience of family support among patients newly diagnosed with cancer in Jordan

To describe the experiences of family support from the perspectives of patients newly diagnosed with cancer.Descriptive qualitative phenomenological design was undertaken, including in-depth individual interviews with 13 newly diagnosed cancer patients from two hospitals in Jordan.Three themes emerged: 'being there,' 'family reunion and connectedness,' and 'gratified with family support.' Being there includes the compassion of family together, support by encouragement, and using religious rituals and traditional remedies. A cancer diagnosis brings family reunions and connectedness and strengthens relationships between spouses. The patients expressed gratitude that their families were compassionate, active listeners, and willing to help, which helped them make decisions related to cancer treatment and overcome their fears.Findings show the strength and priority of family support in Jordanian Arabic culture during an initial cancer diagnosis. In cultures where family members take the burden of care, religion and cultural practices play a vital role in directing patient care. Understanding the experiences of family support from the patients' view could help nurses provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive care and requires adopting a family-centered approach in preparing care plans for patients.