TABLE 3.

Participants' self‐management strategies to cope with cancer‐related symptoms

Themes	Subthemes	Example of a subtheme quotation
Staying in control	Being able to take care of yourself Being in control: ○ Making a plan for the future, arrange things for later ○ Paying attention to a healthy life style: ▪ Have enough exercise ▪ Pay attention to diet ▪ Moderate smoking and alcohol use ○ Adjustments to daily life: ▪ Adjustments in living environment (house and car) ▪ Choose consciously with whom you want to stay in contact with Maintain a daily rhythm	‘It [self‐management] means being in control. That I take action when I feel something is wrong. […] As so many things in life, I'd like to be in control about that [being informed about the disease]. It's not always possible. You are dependent of the doctor's schedule to a certain degree, but I understand that. That's okay. I'm not the director myself, but I'm the assistant director’. (P3)
Taking responsibility	Listening to your body and its signals Dealing with symptoms on your own when possible, seek help otherwise Always continue thinking for yourself	‘In the end I'm the one making the decision about what I eat and which medication I take. So, I think that I have the ultimate responsibility [about my health]’ (P7)
Staying optimistic	Not feeling sorry for yourself Trying to make the best of the situation: ○ Enjoying life and do the things you want to do ○ Looking at what is still possible instead of what is no longer possible ○ Looking forward rather than backward	‘My optimism is an instrument to fight the situation. Every day I want to be happy with everything that's surrounding me. Because of the cancer I am much more aware of that, which is also an instrument to feel stronger’ (P7)
Seeking distraction	Keeping yourself busy and do not think about being ill too much	‘For me, that [seeking distraction] is very important. […] I've picked up an old stamp collection again, that's a mess now. Well yeah, I'm looking for a purpose and distraction—when it's not possible with others, you also have to keep yourself busy’. (P13)
Acknowledging your symptoms and finding acceptance	Accepting that the disease has become part of your life Accepting that you cannot control everything Adjusting your goals; make less strict demands on yourself Not being shy to speak about your illness and its limitations to others	‘I dare to speak up for everything—when I'm talking with other people—I do not care what they say. I tell them about my limitations, so that they know about it’. (P1)
Seeking reassurance	Needing confirmation not to worry from people around you	‘There are so many things that can scare you, because you simply do not know. I need someone who says “you do not have to worry”. It is normal or it will pass by, or you have to learn how to deal with it in life’. (P9)