The Lived Experience of Childhood Cancer: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Iranian Families Navigating Sanctions and the Threat of War

BACKGROUND: A childhood cancer diagnosis creates a profound crisis for the entire family. While the psychological distress of this journey is well-documented globally, the lived experiences of families within the specific socio-political and economic context of Iran remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Iranian families caring for a child with cancer. METHODS: A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted in Urmia, Iran. Through purposive sampling, 19 family members (parents and siblings) of children with cancer were recruited. Data were collected over an 8-month period (November 2023-June 2024) via in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the Van Manen approach and managed using MAXQDA software. Trustworthiness was ensured through strategies such as peer debriefing with an external qualitative researcher and maintaining a detailed audit trail of all analytical decisions. RESULTS: The analysis yielded 2433 codes, categorized into 14 sub-themes and 5 main themes: (1) psychological and emotional concerns, (2) physical and medical concerns, (3) family challenges, (4) support systems as an important asset, and (5) spiritual experiences. These findings were experienced under the pervasive shadow of sanctions and the threat of war. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of caring for a child with cancer in Iran is deeply shaped by the interplay of intense emotional suffering and significant structural challenges, including economic pressure and limited support systems. The findings underscore the critical need for culturally sensitive psychosocial support and policy interventions that address the unique socio-economic vulnerabilities of these families.