The increasing use of oral chemotherapy treatment for cancer offers benefits in terms of care closer to home. However, these formulations are associated with a significant number of adverse events. One source of error is patient non-adherence, resulting in treatment resistance, increased toxicity, disease progression and even death. This literature review explores how people with cancer perceive and experience adherence to oral chemotherapy. Thematic analysis identified four main themes: my own way of doing things, understanding how oral chemotherapy works, not being alone and things beyond my control. Barriers to adherence included health beliefs, medication side effects and lack of access to ongoing advice and support. The authors argue that adherence to oral chemotherapy is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. They recommend that healthcare practitioners should provide personalised counselling at the point of prescription and review, as well as accessible support between appointments.