Lived experiences of navigating cancer medication access among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers at a referral oncology teaching hospital

Cancer remains a major public health challenge worldwide, causing significant illness, death, and economic hardship. One barrier to effective cancer care, especially in resource-limited settings like Iran, is difficult access to affordable and life-saving medications. This qualitative study explores how cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers experience and respond to these challenges. Nineteen participants were purposefully selected among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. Directed content analysis identified key categories related to contextual factors, informational gaps, motivational drivers, and behavioral skills shaping medication-seeking behaviors. Five major categories and 17 sub-categories emerged, detailing complex behaviors and coping strategies shaped by financial hardship, limited medication supply, and information shortages. Family Support, motivations, and practical skills like problem-solving and negotiating were key to overcoming these barriers. However, these struggles took a heavy toll on patients’ health, caregivers’ emotional well-being, family dynamics, and finances. This study highlights the lived experiences behind limited medication access and the need for systemic reforms to improve healthcare equity. Understanding these perspectives is vital for healthcare workers, policymakers, and communities to develop effective support systems that alleviate emotional and financial burdens while ensuring better treatment access for cancer patients.