A survey of traditional medical practices used for the treatment of malignant tumors in an East African population.

A group of 119 Tanzanians with cancer were interviewed regarding previous traditional medical experiences prior to evaluation for radiation treatment. Forty-nine (49.1%) percent of the females and 40.6% of the males had been treated with traditional medicines. Seventy-four percent of the traditionally-treated patients had consulted a traditional doctor prior to being seen by a Western-trained doctor. The most common given treatment was a combination of several traditional methods. More than half of all traditionally-treated patients reported progression of their diseases after treatment. Only one patient had any subjective improvement. These patients tended to have less formal education and a lower standard of living than untreated patients. Problems associated with the diagnosis of cancer are addressed.