Abstract

Cancer continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Eastern Nigeria, where cultural beliefs, traditional 
practices, and religious interpretations strongly influence perceptions of the disease. Misconceptions about cancer 
causation, prevention, and treatment rooted in indigenous cosmologies, moral frameworks, and communal narratives 
contribute to stigma, delayed diagnosis, and poor adherence to biomedical care. Traditional healers, faith-based 
institutions, and community opinion leaders play critical roles in either perpetuating or challenging these beliefs. 
This review examines the interplay between cultural, religious, and social factors and their impact on health-seeking 
behavior, early detection, and treatment outcomes. It further highlights strategies to bridge traditional and 
biomedical perspectives, emphasizing culturally sensitive health education, community engagement, and integration 
of local knowledge systems. By addressing these socio-cultural determinants, policymakers and healthcare providers 
can develop interventions that promote early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and improve adherence to treatment, 
ultimately enhancing cancer outcomes in Eastern Nigeria.