Background: Cancer is not only a physiological disease but also a complex condition that profoundly affects an individual’s psychological well-being and social relationships. Misconceptions about cancer within the public, including its association with death and the tendency to attribute blame to patients as being “personally responsible,” contribute to the development of social stigma among cancer survivors. This stigma negatively impacts patients’ engagement in treatment and their quality of life, highlighting the need to assess societal attitudes based on survivors’ lived experiences. Aim: To examine the everyday lived experiences of cancer survivors, measure perceived social stigma, and identify psychological challenges as well as sources of support. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative component, the Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) and the Attitudes Toward Cancer Questionnaire (ATCQ) were translated and their content validity was evaluated by an expert panel using the Content Validity Index (CVI), followed by pilot testing to confirm feasibility (FVI). In the qualitative component, focus group discussions were conducted with cancer survivors, and coping ability was assessed using psychological assessment tools. Result: A total of 207 participants (68% female; mean age 33.82±13.7 years) were included in the quantitative study. Participants experienced a moderate level of cancer-related stigma, with negative attitudes most strongly associated with perceptions of disease severity and individual responsibility. Qualitative findings revealed that physician communication and family support played a decisive role in psychological responses at the time of diagnosis disclosure. Excessive sympathy or social distancing increased psychological distress, whereas normal interpersonal interaction and realistic encouragement were identified as the most effective forms of support. Conclusion To improve psychosocial support for cancer survivors, it is essential to enhance healthcare professionals’ communication skills, promote accurate public understanding of cancer, and strengthen the sustainability of survivor support group activities.

Background: The average age at menarche (AAM) among girls is influenced by various factors, including the socioeconomic status of the country, geographical location, and anthropometric characteristics. In Mongolia, limited research has been conducted on this topic Aim: This study aimed to compare the mean age at menarche among girls living in Bayanzürkh District of Ulaanbaatar and those in Uvs Province. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2025. The study participants included schoolgirls aged 8 years and older from general education schools located in Bayanzürkh District and Uvs Province. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.5.1 (RStudio 2025.05.1-513) Results: A total of 486 girls participated in the study. The mean age at menarche among the participants was 12.23±1.29 years. The mean age at menarche among girls aged 8–18 years in Bayanzürkh District was 11.84±1.19 years, while that among girls aged 8–18 years in Uvs Province was 12.97±1.15 years. Thus, girls in Bayanzürkh District experienced menarche 1.13 years earlier on average than those in Uvs Province. The difference in mean AAM between urban (Ulaanbaatar) and rural (Uvs Province) girls was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion The mean age at menarche among girls residing in Bayanzürkh District was significantly lower than that of girls living in Uvs Province, indicating a tendency toward earlier onset of menarche in urban areas.