Abstract

Cancer is a major health concern in Eastern Nigeria, where limited access to conventional healthcare and a strong 
reliance on traditional medicine shape the cancer care landscape. Despite increasing cancer incidences, traditional 
healing practices, including herbal remedies and spiritual healing, continue to play a significant role in the treatment 
of cancer. This review examines the cultural perceptions and practices surrounding traditional medicine and cancer 
care in Eastern Nigeria, with a focus on how these practices coexist with conventional treatments. It highlights the 
rich diversity of indigenous healing practices, such as the use of herbs like ginger, moringa, and scent leaf, as well 
as spiritual rituals aimed at restoring balance and health. The paper also explores the challenges in integrating 
traditional medicine with modern cancer care, including the lack of scientific validation, cultural skepticism from 
healthcare providers, and the absence of regulation in traditional healing. Despite these barriers, the potential for 
collaboration between traditional healers and modern medical practitioners is emphasized, advocating for a more 
holistic, culturally sensitive approach to cancer care that improves patient outcomes.