‘When I can ride my bike, I think, am I at all as sick as they say?’: An exploration of how men with advanced lung cancer form illness perceptions in everyday life

Objective
The purpose of this study was to explore how men with advanced lung cancer form perceptions of their illness in everyday life and how this influences perceptions about rehabilitation.

Methods
Constructivist grounded theory principles guided the collection and analysis of data from in-depth interviews with 10 men with advanced lung cancer.

Results
The findings show that the men's illness perception was fluid, contextual and formed by interrelated factors. Engaging in daily activities and maintaining everyday life was a strong influence on their illness perception.

Conclusion
In order to make rehabilitation relevant to men with lung cancer, consideration should be given to how the men's everyday lives may be incorporated into the service provision.