LAUSR

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the lived experience of colorectal cancer patients with undernutrition in meeting their nutritional needs. METHOD We employed a phenomenological approach involving seven colorectal patients with undernutrition selected using purposive sampling method. We employed in-depth interviews to collect data and Colaizzi's content analysis to analyze data. RESULTS We identified the following six themes: (1) cancer is the cause of weight loss, (2) preferred foods have potential to cause cancers; (3) concerns regarding digestive issues; (4) pathological response toward foods; (5) delayed meal times; and (6) suicidal thoughts outside the context of the disease. CONCLUSIONS It is important for nurses to provide patient education and design teaching instructions for patients in meeting their nutritional needs by considering barriers experienced by patients. Nurses along with dietitians and physicians may also develop guidelines to address undernutrition for colorectal cancer patients.