Kanker merupakan tantangan utama di wilayah pesisir karena adanya hambatan dalam mengakses layanan kesehatan. perilaku pasien dalam mencari pengobatan sangat dipengaruhi oleh persepsi risiko, keterbatasan fasilitas medis, dan dukungan keluarga. penelitian ini menyoroti dinamika adaptasi emosional dan spiritual, serta strategi pasien dalam menavigasi sistem kesehatan untuk memahami perilaku pencarian kesehatan pasien kanker. tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengeksplorasi perilaku pencarian kesehatan pasien kanker. penelitian ini menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif dengan wawancara semi terstruktur. analisis tematik digunakan untuk menganalisis data. partisipan pada penelitian berjumlah 12 partisipan yang diambil sesuai kriteria inklusi yang telah ditetapkan. lima tema utama muncul: (1) respon awal gejala dan inisiatif pengobatan; (2) menjelajahi labirin sistem kesehatan; (3) kekuatan dukungan di perjalanan pasien; (4) adaptasi emosional dan spiritual; dan (5) hidup dengan minum obat dan kemoterapi. kesimpulan penelitian ini perilaku mencari pengobatan pasien kanker di wilayah pesisir dipengaruhi oleh persepsi awal gejala, hambatan akses dan pembiayaan layanan kesehatan, serta dukungan dari keluarga dan petugas kesehatan. pasien menunjukkan kemampuan beradaptasi emosional dan spiritual dalam menghadapi proses diagnosis dan pengobatan, dan melanjutkan pengobatan meskipun menghadapi berbagai tantangan. hasil penelitian ini memberikan wawasan berharga tentang health seeking behavior pasien kanker di wilayah pesisir yang dapat menjadi dasar untuk pengembangan program intervensi dan layanan kesehatan yang lebih baik untuk pasien kanker. kata kunci: dewasa; health seeking behavior; kanker; penyakit terminal

Cancer is a major challenge in coastal areas due to barriers in accessing health services. patient behavior in seeking treatment is greatly influenced by risk perception, limitations of medical facilities, and family support. this study highlights the dynamics of emotional and spiritual adaptation, as well as patients' strategies in navigating the health system to understand the health-seeking behavior of cancer patients. the aim of this study was to explore the health-seeking behavior of cancer patients. this study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews. thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. the participants in this study consisted of 12 participants who were selected according to the established inclusion criteria. five main themes emerged: (1) initial responses to symptoms and treatment initiatives; (2) navigating the labyrinth of the healthcare system; (3) the power of support in the patient's journey; (4) emotional and spiritual adaptation; and (5) living with medication and chemotherapy. the conclusion of this study was that the behavior of cancer patients seeking treatment in coastal areas was influenced by initial perceptions of symptoms, barriers to access and financing of health services, as well as support from family and healthcare workers. patients demonstrated emotional and spiritual adaptability in facing the diagnosis and treatment process, and continued treatment despite facing various challenges. the results of this study provide valuable insights into the health seeking behavior of cancer patients in coastal areas, which can serve as a foundation for the development of better intervention programs and healthcare services for cancer patients. keywords: adult; health seeking behavior; cancer; terminal illness.