Purpose: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of illness experience research study using phenomenological approaches. Methods: Data were searched from the database (CINAHL) under the key word '(Phenomeno*) and lived experience' and the publishing period 'Jan. 2006~Dec. 2016'. A total of 62 articles about first hand experience of patients was selected as final samples. Data were analysed in terms of research method and contents. Results: The chronic illness was the most frequently used disease, and 'van Mannen' method was also the most frequently used. The popular philosophical perspectives were Husserl's phenomenology and Heidegger's hermeneutic phenomenology. As the criteria to ensure truthworthiness, Lincoln & Guba's criteria was the one mostly employed. Conclusion: It was found that the researchers employed various qualitative approaches despite of continued discussion on selecting a proper approach. However, the phenomenological approach was found to be the strongest tool for exploring the lived experience of patients. In this respect, the given approach is warranted for future utilization in nursing research.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand and describe the experiences of stomach cancer patients in South Korea. Methods: Secondary analysis of qualitative data was designed. The data were analyzed via the Phenomenological Method, using the data of 12 stomach cancer patients, from the original data collected by narrative interviews in 2013. Results: Seven theme clusters emerged from the analysis. Beginning with: ‘Facing Life Threats from Cancer,’ this describes how the participants experience between cancer diagnosis and treatments. ‘Crossing the Boundary between Life and Death’ deals with desperate struggle to overcome medical treatments, such as gastrectomy and chemotherapy, while ‘Adjusting to Weakened Body’ illustrates the continuous daily struggle to follow dietary treatments after operation. ‘Dilemmas in Interpersonal Relationships’ illustrates the sensitivity of relationships from the cancer stigma, with predicaments rising in collective dining situations. ‘Encountering: Hidden Me, Inside Me’ describes changes in values of life and a matured self. ‘Supporters for Hope’ illustrates driving forces to keep hope alive in everyday lives. Lastly, ‘Happiness of Everyday Life Rescued from Misery’ describes how life turned into blessings from cancer after all. Conclusion: The results of this study would help oncology professionals to develop patient-centered cancer survivorship interventions, by understanding and gaining insights about the lived experience of stomach cancer patients.