Effects of economic sanctions on cancer care for patients in Iran: a qualitative study

Due to political and security concerns, Iran has faced stringent sanctions in recent decades, significantly impacting vulnerable cancer patients. According to the latest statistics, the 5-year prevalent cases in Iran were 357,906 for both sexes combined. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of cancer patients, their families, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) regarding the ramifications of economic sanctions on cancer diagnosis and treatment.

This qualitative study was conducted by semi-structured interviews with 21 cancer patients and their family members, as well as representatives from relevant NGOs based in Tehran in 2020. The interviewees were selected using convenience sampling, and the data were classified and analyzed using qualitative content analysis in MAXQDA-2019 software.

The effects of economic sanctions on cancer patients were categorized into four themes: medicines, medical equipment, human resources, and financial resources. Medicines were further categorized into medicine price changes, scarcity, the complexity of dispensing medication, profiteering of drug manufacturers and distributors, and prolonged medical treatment subthemes. Medical equipment included price changes and difficulties in procuring medical devices and their accessories. Human resources comprised inadequate access to specialists and distorted doctor-patient relationships. Finally, financial resources were delineated by the diminished purchasing power of individuals and insufficient support extended to NGOs catering to patients' needs.

The findings underscore the urgency of addressing the multifaceted consequences of sanctions, which exacerbate vulnerabilities among cancer patients and hinder their access to timely and adequate care. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, healthcare providers, and NGOs are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure equitable access to cancer treatment amidst ongoing sanctions. Furthermore, global health diplomacy could help reduce the effects of economic sanctions and facilitate the provision of medical equipment, medicines, and financial resources.