Introduction:Cancer is a generic term which involved a large group of disease characterized by the growth of abnormal body cells. Other common terms used are malignant tumors and neoplasm. Cancer can affect any body part.Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and accounted for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. In India, it is estimated that 14.5 lakh people are living with the disease, with over 7 lakh new cases being registered every year and 5,56,400 deaths which are said to be cancer related.

Material and method:Descriptive research approach and non–experimental research design was used. The subject for the study was n=60 newly diagnosed cancer patient by using purposive sampling technique. The level of distress was analyzed by structure interview schedule with the help of rating scale. Data was analyzed with the help of frequency, mean and standard deviation. Chi–square test was used to determine the association between the levels of distress with selected demographic variables.

Results:StudyFindings revealed that 80% newly diagnosed cancer patient having a moderate level of distress and there was a significant association between the monthly income of cancer patient and level of distress. (c²=5.66, r<0.05)

Conclusion:The study concluded that majority of newly diagnosed patient was suffering with moderate level of distress.