Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Ghanaian Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by Ghanaian patients with breast cancer. We explored the experiences of CAM use among women with breast cancer. Twelve women participated in individual, in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis anchored in the social constructivist paradigm. Findings show that most participants viewed CAM use (i.e., herbal medicine and faith healing) as a lost cause. In other words, participants’ accounts suggested that CAM use for treating breast cancer had little or no chance of succeeding. Our findings highlight the public health consequences of using herbal medicine and faith healing for treating breast cancer. They also highlight the complexity of the breast cancer experience for Ghanaian patients and provide opportunities for health literacy promotion. Additional studies are needed to identify the scope of the risk factors associated with CAM use for treating breast cancer in Ghana.