OBJECTIVES: Nigeria is experiencing an increasing rate of new cancer cases while marred by a weak health system. As cancer prevalence increases in Nigeria, especially among women, it is crucial to understand the experiences of female cancer survivors, given that their quality of life may be influenced by perceptions of cancer and what it means to be a cancer survivor.

DESIGN: This study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 female breast cancer survivors in Abuja, Nigeria.

RESULTS: The three major themes were views about being a cancer survivor, cancer can be stigmatizing, and life after cancer diagnosis and therapy.

CONCLUSION: We argue that cancer-related identity and cancer-related stigma are key factors with help-seeking and quality-of-life implications. Tailored interventions such as cancer health education and social support for cancer survivors may help reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria.