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This paper aims to identify and explore psychosocial burdens experienced by cancer patients using a mixed-method research design with mainly qualitative output.The introductory part of this paper is followed by presentation of a theoretical framework comprising definitions used in qualitative research: triangulation, observation, purposive sampling, thematic analysis, collation, theory-based analysis (grounded theory analysis), theoretical saturation and phenomenological approach. In the section dedicated to methodology we described the sampling process, criteria for selecting participants in the study, data collection instruments and interview transcription protocols. The next section covers the data analysis process. Analysis, processing and interpretation of raw data resulting from qualitative research on cancer patients were based on 83 interviews included in the MAXQDA database.In this mixed-method design, an essentialist-realistic, inductive and evaluative approach data analysis was used, focused on theme-based analysis, tending towards grounded theory.The most extended section of this paper presents qualitative and quantitative data, results from the mixed-method analysis. Thus, there were common themes identified and described to provide a comprehensive picture of the meaning and essence of study participants' experiences. Complexity of the dynamics of interaction between different groups of patients and investigated subjects produced additional results, too. This paper ends with the conclusion section, including limitations and future directions of research.
Keywords: cancer patients, illness trajectory, mixed-method study, vulnerable groups, Romania
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