Cancer patients urged to consult doctors before using herbal remedies

Cancer patients are being encouraged to consult their doctors before turning to herbal or alternative remedies, as unmonitored treatment choices may interfere with recommended medical care.

Speaking with JIS News recently, Regional Priority Non-Communicable Diseases and Family Health Coordinator at the Western Regional Health Authority, Dr Marcia Johnson-Campbell, said that decisions on alternative approaches to cancer treatment should be discussed with medical professionals.

"I do know that there are persons who may want to go more with alternative treatments, herbal treatments. I would encourage persons to have that discussion with their doctor. Don't just go off and do your own thing," she advised.

She noted that complementary approaches should be carefully coordinated with conventional treatment.

"There may be some herbal treatments that can be used alongside the traditional treatment, but we want persons to have that conversation," she said.

Johnson-Campbell pointed out that many patients seek alternative therapies out of fear, cultural beliefs, or a desire to explore every possible option following a diagnosis.

She said that these concerns are understandable, but emphasised the need for guidance from qualified healthcare providers to ensure that these approaches do not interfere with prescribed treatment or delay critical care.

She pointed out that cancer care often involves multiple stages of testing, diagnosis and treatment planning, and decisions made without medical guidance may complicate the process.