Care pathway of patients living with lung cancer

Abstract This article analyzes the feelings and difficulties of lung cancer patients and their families regarding diagnostic and therapeutic itineraries. This is qualitative research with focus group of patient/family dyads. Two categories of analysis stood out: ‘Pathway start and Diagnosis’ and ‘In search of treatment: barriers’. The difficulty of diagnosis is discussed due to the lack of infrastructure of services, scarce financial resources of patients, inadequate public health network and unpreparedness for diagnosis. After diagnosis, we present the path in search of treatment and the financial, geographical, structural and work process barriers in public health. Patients in small municipalities or rural areas face more difficulties in accessing health services. We conclud that the care pathway in the public sector is influenced by health inequalities and vulnerabilities, reflecting less access to services and delayed diagnosis and treatment of the disease.