Abstract
M.A.
This study explores the experiences of women with cervical cancer. The illness affects the women physically, emotionally and socially. They face bodily mutilation that affects their body image, self-esteem and their sense of being feminine. They feel socially inadequate, as they can no longer contribute towards the society due to an illness. The emotional impact is so immerse as the women are rejected by their partners, and sometimes friends and family that cannot bear the illness. They face various losses such as loss of bodily functions, loss of potential children, loss of jobs and loss of intimate relationships. As a result, the illness has been associated with different psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety as a result of fear of the future, particularly the impending loss of life.