Diagnosis, care pathways, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among digestive cancer patients in Benin: a qualitative study

PURPOSE: In Benin, patients with digestive cancers face multiple challenges, including diagnostic delays and limited access to care. In this context, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common. This study aimed to describe the diagnostic and care pathways of patients with digestive cancers in Benin, and their experiences with both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional treatments. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted at the University Hospital Center (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, Benin, among adult patients diagnosed with primary digestive cancers who reported CAM use. The sample was determined by data saturation and included 11 patients. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and fully transcribed. A thematic analysis was performed followed by investigator triangulation. RESULTS: Patients frequently reported diagnostic delays linked to initial symptom minimization, medical wandering, and low awareness of digestive cancers. Access to care was further constrained by financial difficulties and limited availability of medicines. The use of complementary and alternative medicine was mainly motivated by financial barriers, dissatisfaction with conventional treatments, management of side effects, and the search for well-being. Finally, patients emphasized the need for holistic care, including psychosocial and nutritional support, and physician involvement in CAM supervision. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the complex trajectories of digestive cancer patients in Benin, marked by diagnostic delays, inequities in access to care, and the central role of CAM. The findings call for holistic, patient-centered models of care that promote early detection, enhance access to services, and ensure the safe and culturally sensitive integration of CAM.