This is the first of two articles presenting findings from a wider study that aimed to explore and better understand the personal story of cancer beyond the label of ‘patient’ and the healthcare context.

This article focuses on the importance of relationships with other people with cancer, family members and the healthcare team in the search to make sense of life. Part 2 focuses on the importance of relationships with people who have died, with God or a higher being, and the self in the search to make sense of life. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 people living with cancer. It was found that a core aspect of each participant’s sense-making process was their ability to relate to others, including the ‘web of relationships’ that existed between the participants and other people with cancer. Each participant spoke about the importance of family relationships and support, as well as their concern for their family members.

The participants also described the common bond that exists between people; one that moves beyond the roles and labels of patient, nurse and doctor. Understanding the importance of relationships in the search to make sense of life recognises the sometimes-overlooked personal stories behind a diagnosis of cancer. These findings offer practical insights that aim to enhance nurses’ understanding of the personal meaning of illness.