Purpose: This study explored patients' perceptions of "being known" in an ambulatory chemotherapy unit. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, 10 participants with various cancer diagnoses were recruited from a large cancer centre in Montreal, Quebec. Audiotaped individual interviews were transcribed verbatim. Textual data were coded and analyzed thematically. Findings: Participants spoke of their need to have the staff approach them as individuals first and then as persons with cancer. They further underscored the importance of: (1) feeling truly welcome in the cancer care environment, (2) being provided with person-and situation-responsive care, and (3) considering occupational and social roles that go beyond the "sick role". Mutual patient-nurse disclosure also contributed to perceptions of a personalized care approach. Implications for nursing: In addition to key elements construed as crucial for enhancing perceptions of being known, future studies should further document how the interplay among demographic, physical/psychological, and cultural factors affect these perceptions. BAcKGrOuND A cancer diagnosis often has a profound impact on patients' and families' lives. For individuals receiving cancer treatment, the primary nurse is often the main source of professional guidance and support. Providing this type of care requires an in-depth understanding of the physical and psychosocial needs and preferences of patients. Person-Centred Care (PCC) Person-centred care has been defined as care that is respectful and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, and ensures that a patient's values guide all clinical decisions (Balogh et al., 2011). Similarly, patients as partners (PP) in care is a recent concept that regards patients as integral units of their healthcare team (Pomney, Ghadiri, Karazivan, Fernandez & Clavel, 2015). To meet patients' needs, it is widely recognized that PCC and PP movements are paramount for cancer care to be truly comprehensive (