The Role of Religious Beliefs in Cancer Treatment Decisions Among Patients in Eastern Nigeria

Mugo Moses H.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                                     ABSTRACT
Religious beliefs play a profound role in shaping health behaviors and medical decision-making among patients in many African societies. In Eastern Nigeria, where Christianity and traditional spirituality coexist, religion often influences how individuals perceive illness, seek care, and adhere to medical treatment. This review examines the intersection between religion and cancer treatment decisions among patients in Eastern Nigeria. It explores how religious interpretations of cancer as a spiritual affliction, divine punishment, or test of faith influence treatment seeking behaviors, adherence to biomedical interventions, and reliance on faith-based healing. The paper also highlights the implications of these beliefs on early diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and patient–provider communication. Understanding these dynamics is vital for developing culturally sensitive health education, fostering collaboration between religious leaders and medical practitioners, and improving cancer care outcomes in the region.

Keywords: Religious beliefs, Cancer treatment, Faith healing, Health behavior, Eastern Nigeria, Medical decisionmaking, Cultural perceptions.

CITE AS: Mugo Moses H. (2026). The Role of Religious Beliefs in Cancer Treatment Decisions among Patients in Eastern Nigeria. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 6(1):63-68. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2026/616368