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Background and purpose: The incidence of cancer is increasing in everyone especially old people. Due to the hardly curable nature of cancer those who confront with its diagnosis are highly influenced by concerns and distress. Hence, a better understanding of such concerns will help health care staff to plan for effective care. This study was designed to investigate the main concerns of elderly patients confronting with diagnosis of cancer. Materials and methods: This qualitative research was performed in 10 patients exposed to the diagnosis of cancer in Sari, 2010-2011. Sampling was done purposefully and continued until data saturation. The data was collected through interview which was tape recorded and transcribed immediately. The data was then analyzed using content analysis. Results: The data was categorized into four main categories and 10 subcategories. The main categories included ‘feeling unable to cope with cancer’, ‘unable to pay for treatment’, ‘feeling of prolongation of the disease’, and ‘suffering from abnormal life’. The core category was ‘being dependent that was the main concern of elderly patients confronting with diagnosis of cancer. Conclusion: The findings showed that being dependent is the most significant concern of elderly which results in experiencing high amount of distress. Hence, health care staff and nurses should attempt to enhance independency among such patients.

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Background and purpose: Cancer is one of the most common growing diseases. According to statistics, its incidence in East Mediterranean region and Iran is increasingly growing. Considering the rise in the number of patients with cancer and threatening nature of this disease as well as problems of the patients and their families, the necessity to know and to understand the patients’ needs and problems, especially after revealing cancer diagnosis is imperative. Recognizing patients’ needs will help in resolving their problems. The aim of this study was to understand patients’ needs when confronted with cancer diagnosis. Materials and methods: Using qualitative approach, the present study was done with content analysis method application. Nineteen participants including patients, physicians, nurses and patients’ close relatives were chosen amongst the clients of an oncology unit, a cancer clinic, and a cancer patients support center. Purposeful sampling method was applied at the beginning and continued until data saturation was achieved. Face to face interview and taking field notes were used to collect the data. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Five hundred and sixty five primary codes in four categories were obtained which consisted of 'supports of family and friends', 'effective interaction of medical staffs with patients', 'services offered by supportive organizations' and 'necessity to inform and prepare the patients'. The main common theme of categories was 'support' which was the major need of patients with cancer. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that when the diagnosis of cancer is made, patients will have a lot of needs. Recognizing these demands by health authorities and clinical staffs could improve their interaction with patients.