Traditional/faith healers and orthodox medicine in the collaborative response to Ghana’s breast cancer burden

<b>Background:</b><br>Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana, where most patients present with advanced stages of the disease. Our previous research shows that women often self-detect symptoms but delay seeking orthodox care, initially consulting traditional/faith-based healers. Despite Ghana's formal structures for traditional medicine, many patients rely on informally trained traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) who operate outside regulation. This paradox highlights the importance of understanding how both orthodox medicine practitioners (OMPs) and TMPs perceive their roles and their potential for collaboration to improve cancer outcomes in such dual health systems.<br><b>Methods:</b><br>We conducted a qualitative exploratory descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with 33 participants (19 OMPs and 14 TMPs/faith healers) in Ghana. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and thematically analyzed to explore their perceived roles in breast cancer care and willingness to collaborate.<br><b>Findings:</b><br>Both groups acknowledged their central role in women’s health-seeking related to breast cancer. TMPs emphasized cultural accessibility, spiritual care, and affordability, while OMPs prioritized evidence-based treatment and patient safety. Despite mistrust and concerns about delayed referrals, both groups expressed conditional openness to collaboration, particularly through referral systems, education, and regulatory support.<br><b>Interpretation:</b><br>Breast cancer care in Ghana involves both orthodox and traditional/faith-based providers, yet collaboration remains limited by mistrust and weak regulatory linkages. Our findings suggest that structured, culturally sensitive partnerships, based on clear referral and training systems, can promote earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes in low-resource, diverse health systems. These findings have implications for national cancer control and the integration of traditional medicine policies in Ghana and similar low-resource settings.