Background: Much of the global cancer burden is in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Along with the high incidence of cancer, most LMICs have unevenly distributed health care resources. This study is a qualitative exploration of the journey of patients accessing cancer care in India and their caregivers. Methods:The study followed a cross-sectional qualitative design. Participants were recruited by stratified purposive sampling, and all common cancers in India as reported by the GLOBOCAN database were included in the study. Consenting patients and their caregivers were interviewed using in-depth interview techniques. The data was analysed using principles of qualitative content analysis.Results: Cancer patients (n = 100) and their caregivers (n = 48) were interviewed for the study. The six themes that emerged were related to a) the journey of patients to access care, b) the psychological journey of patients, c) stigma of cancer patients, d) decisionmaking and adherence to treatment, e) economic costs of cancer care and its impact and f) modifiers to accessing cancer care. Conclusions:Planning and policymaking in the future of cancer care delivery need to consider the views expressed by the cancer patients and their caregivers as regards to access, adherence and disruptions to cancer care in India. Future policies will hopefully address some of the difficulties faced by patients.

Objective Advanced stage at diagnosis and delayed presentation are common in ovarian cancer (OC). The objective of the current study was to explore the association of adult attachment pattern with delays in accessing specialist oncology care in patients with OC. Methods A cross-sectional structured interview study of patients with OC presenting to an Indian cancer center was undertaken. Consenting patients completed Experiences of Close Relationships–Relationship Style questionnaire (ECR-RS) and Medical Outcome Survey–Social Support Survey (MOS–SSS). Multivariate linear regression with “time to presentation to cancer specialist” as the dependent variable was undertaken. Results In all, 132 of 155 (85%) patients with OC who were invited were interviewed. An increased ECR-RS attachment anxiety score ( P = .01) and being part of a multigenerational extended household ( P = .04) were both independently associated with delay in presentation to a cancer specialist. There was no association between delay in presentation and social support. Conclusions Among patients with OC, adult attachment may contribute to delays in presentation. It may be important for the cancer symptom awareness efforts in primary care to include educating physicians on recognizing and interacting with patients with insecure attachment styles. The association of delays in presentation for women with OC living in multigenerational extended households needs more indepth exploration.