Psychosocial-Spiritual Healing

Culture is a collective way of life characterized by a set of patterns of knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. The concept of culture in relation to cancer is poorly understood. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are many communities with major cross-cultural differences. These variations greatly influence health-seeking behavior and treatment choices. Many patients with cancer are still diagnosed late in their illness due to poorly structured screening and referral systems. Traditional healers are a big part of African society, as they are often the first point of contact for cancer patients. These healers are considered to have received healing powers from God and are an essential part of traditional African religion. They use herbal treatments, ancestral incantation, as well as other religious healing practices to provide treatment. Generally, patients only seek professional medical advice after treatment from traditional healers has failed. Spirituality is difficult to define, but generally refers to a connection with a larger reality. Its aim is to give meaning to life through religion, meditation, or art. The predominant religions practiced in Africa are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and traditional religions. The basic concept of spirituality is based on giving meaning to every situation in life, and cancer patients often seek meaning in their disease. Religion is a way of coping with the distressing diagnosis of cancer and has been associated with better psychological well-being. Religion and culture often overlap, as they each define a community’s way of life.