Background <p>To explore the current situation and influencing factors of resilience in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy, and to provide a basis for constructing a comprehensive and effective resilience enhancement program for patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy.</p> Methods <p>Using descriptive qualitative research and purposive sampling method, 20 patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy from October to December 2024 in the oncology department of a tertiary general hospital in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China were interviewed semi-structured. The data were organized and coded with the help of Nvivo 14.0 software, and themes were distilled using the traditional content analysis method.</p> Results <p>A total of three themes and eight sub-themes were derived. The resilience status of patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy was reflected in cognitive deficiency and a casual attitude. The protective factors for resilience among patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy included intrinsic positive traits, multiple support networks, and professional medical support. The risk factors for resilience among patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy included the damage of disease treatment, heavy economic burden, and lack of disease knowledge.</p> Conclusions <p>The study found that resilience among patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy is multifaceted, shaped by a complex interplay of factors. Medical care, family, and society should jointly provide help to promote the protective factors of resilience and overcome the risk factors of resilience through collaborative efforts aimed at bolstering resilience, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy.</p>