Exploring the Current Situation of Cancer Patients’ Management from Physicians’ Perspective: A qualitative Study

Background: Cancer is rising as a significant global public health concern. The global cancer burden is escalating, exerting considerable physical, emotional, and financial strain on people, families, communities, and healthcare systems. Objective: To explore the challenges faced in cancer management from the perspectives of physicians. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025. Physicians were recruited from three different centers in Baghdad and Karbala using purposive and snowball sampling. The data collection was concluded upon reaching a saturation point. Results: This study included twenty-six oncologists. There was about parity between the two genders, with a slight male predominance. Thematic analysis identified seven principal themes. The initial theme addressed limits within the healthcare system, encompassing five subthemes, while the subsequent theme focused on ways for managing treatment shortages, comprising one subtheme. The third theme encompassed communication skills in cancer care, which included three subthemes, while the fourth theme addressed obstacles related to patients' adherence, encompassing four subthemes. The fifth theme was supportive care management, encompassing two subthemes. The sixth theme was the Impact of Challenges on Cancer Care, which encompassed two subthemes. Lastly, the physicians' recommendations encompassed three subthemes. Conclusions: Cancer care is a complicated and changing domain encumbered by various obstacles. Resolving these complex difficulties necessitates a collaborative, interdisciplinary strategy that emphasizes early detection, patient-centered care, and ongoing professional education. More facilities should be available to improve access to treatment.