Women’s Experiences with Traditional and Orthodox Management of Cervical Cancer in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a public health problem that affects women‘s well-being worldwide. The literature on cancers from high-income countries indicates that patients combine traditional and western medicines for the treatment of cancer. However, there is scant empirical evidence on cervical cancer patients‘ experiences in both traditional and western medicine usage. The study, therefore, explored the experiences of women on the traditional and orthodox management of cervical cancer in the Accra Metropolis using the traditional healers‘ practices and western management approaches for psychiatric diseases (Abbo, 2011) as an organizing framework for the study. The study employed a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Twelve (12) women with cervical cancer in the Accra Metropolis were purposively recruited. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio recorded with each interview lasting between 30 – 45 minutes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and thematic content analysis procedures were applied to generate the findings. The participants believed that they acquired the disease through their parents‘ genes, inappropriate personal lifestyle, and behaviours. They also believed that vagina hygiene education could prevent cervical cancer. The women experienced pain and blood loss during cervical cancer screening; vulva itching and hair loss as side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; four women were declared free of cervical cancer after combined use of traditional and orthodox treatment; some attributed their improved health status to orthodox treatment only; and others felt their health status was worse with the traditional treatment. However, all participants lived their lives in fear and they coped with the disease by using faith in God. The women suffered physically, psychologically, sexually, and socially whilst undergoing cervical cancer treatment in Ghana. Therefore, Ministry of Health should formulate appropriate national policy for cervical cancer care with priority on human papillomavirus vaccinations to all girls and women in order to prevent cervical cancer, and step-up efforts on cancer education programmes.