Some medical experts have cautioned against relying solely on herbal and alternative medicine to treat breast cancer, emphasizing that such approaches are ineffective and cannot cure the disease. During an appearance on the AM Show on October 1, Dr. Naa Adorkor Aryeetey and Prof. Joe Nat Clegg-Lamptey discussed their experiences, revealing that none of their breast cancer patients have survived using herbal remedies alone.
The specialists noted that there is currently no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of herbal medicine as a standalone treatment for breast cancer. Prof. Clegg-Lamptey, a Professor of Surgery at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, expressed concern over patients who forgo conventional treatments. He observed that these individuals often return in much worse condition, with some tragically losing their lives.
While acknowledging that he is not opposed to herbal medicine being used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional therapies, he stressed that relying on it exclusively is not advisable.
"We are open to the use of herbal remedies as complementary options, especially those that have been well tested. However, we have seen too many cases where patients opted for herbal treatments and returned too late. Even when they think they’re improving, they often find out the cancer has spread," he stated.
Dr. Naa Adorkor Aryeetey, a senior oncology and radiology specialist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, suggested fostering collaboration between oncologists and certified herbal medicine practitioners. She highlighted that while herbal medicine can play a supportive role—like using ginger to alleviate nausea from chemotherapy—it should not replace conventional treatment.
“Many patients feel more comfortable with herbal practitioners. I believe our patients would benefit from us working together,” she noted, adding, “We still haven't found any herbal remedy that can cure breast cancer. Going it alone typically leads to poor outcomes.”
Barbara Dowouna, a breast cancer survivor, shared her own journey. After initially relying on herbal treatments for ten months due to fear, she eventually turned to prayer, chemotherapy, and surgery, which led to her complete recovery.
Both Dr. Aryeetey and Prof. Clegg-Lamptey urged women to perform regular breast self-exams, especially if they notice any lumps, as early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
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