Objective To explore the touch points and unmet needs of cervical cancer patients throughout the entire treatment cycle of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) combined with three-dimensional intracavitary brachytherapy (3D-ICBT), and to provide evidence for optimizing nursing care from symptom management towards holistic patient-centered support.Methods Guided by a constructivist grounded theory approach, a qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling to recruit 20 cervical cancer patients. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and participatory observation, tracing the patient experience from treatment initiation to long-term recovery. By integrating journey mapping and persona development methods, typical patient personas and dynamic journey maps for each treatment phase were constructed to address the unique challenges and needs of diverse patient groups. Results The journey map, structured across four treatment phases (commencement of the procedure, EBRT, 3D-ICBT, and long-term management), revealed core needs and touch points at physiological, psychosocial, and health-system levels. Five distinct patient personas were identified: anxious young woman,dependent elderly woman, educated career woman, urban housewife, and resource-limited rural woman. These subgroups exhibited obvious differences in emotional fluctuations, behavioral characteristics, and specific needs throughout their treatment journey. Conclusion The full-cycle experience of cervical cancer patients treated with EBRT and 3D-ICBT exhibits two core characteristics:heterogeneity and dynamic evolution across physical, psychological, and social needs. Healthcare providers should systematically identify patients′ needs and touch points at different radiotherapy stages to optimize medical resource allocation and clinical services, thereby enhancing patient experience and quality of life.