The use of traditional and complementary medicine by cancer patients in SSA: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: The rate of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use is increasing worldwide, including among cancer patients who are often willing to try alternate therapies. Despite TCM popularity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there are limited data on its use with conventional treatments. Aim: This scoping review aims to describe the prevalence of use, reasons for use, most common types of TCM used, patient satisfaction with TCM and disclosure of TCM use to physicians among cancer patients in SSA. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for articles published from 2013 to 2022 across four databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and EBSCOhost. A scoping review approach was used to map relevant literature. Forty-six articles were assessed based on their titles and abstracts. After full-text screening, 10 articles were included. Results: Average TCM use was calculated to be 66.7%. Reasons for TCM use included: to improve psychological well-being, boost the body’s immunity and provide symptomatic relief. An average of 21.2% of TCM users informed their physician. Nine articles addressed patient satisfaction with TCM. An average of 39.1% of patients reported general TCM satisfaction. Conclusion: The use of TCM is common among cancer patients. It is important for healthcare providers to expand their knowledge in order to counsel patients and avoid potential hazards when combining TCM with conventional treatments. Contribution: These findings highlight commonly used TCM and provide insight on the portion of cancer patients informing their doctors about TCM use. This information will help understand the attitude cancer patients have towards TCM.

Keywords

• complementary medicine
• alternative medicine
• traditional medicine
• cancer patients
• sub-saharan africa