An Exploration of the Role of African Traditional Health Practitioners in Treating Cancer Patients: A Case Study of Mzinti, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of African traditional health practitioners in treating cancer patients. Most countries in Africa have a limited number of cancer specialists and cancer treatments are very expensive, hence, most cancer patients cannot afford them due to low income. Alternatives to mainstream treatment are not readily available due to patients’ lack of exploration and recognition of traditional health practitioners in treating cancer patients and the lack of clinical validation of traditional medicine. This study used a qualitative research design and perceptions were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. There were 16 participants who included 7 traditional health practitioners and 9 community members; data was analysed using thematic analysis. As indicated the study intended to provide an understanding of South African traditional health practices and the role of traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the treatment of cancer patients. This understanding is intended to benefit development policy makers in the formal acceptance of traditional health practitioners’ roles and pave ways for possible integration of traditional and western health care. The study unveiled that THPs have a strong cultural background and knowledge of cancer, as well as treatment methods. Participants elucidated that THPs were involved with their patients beyond the use of medicine and that they play the role of nutritionists, counsellors and care givers in their treatment practices. The study also revealed that people have both negative and positive perceptions of the role played by THPs in treating cancer. This study recommends that further research be conducted that will be focus on cancer patients’ beliefs and reasons for the preference of African traditional medicine as a treatment for cancer and the creation of social support groups for cancer patients and their families.