Objective: Early detection and treatment of cancers can improve prognosis and increase survival. Unfortunately, cancers are reported globally to be one of the leading causes of death especially in Low- and-Middle-Income-countries (LMICs). Most cancer patients use folk medicines before/ after diagnosis and/or during orthodox treatment. Folk Medicine Practitioners (FMPs) from different part of the world are known to be involved in cancer management. However, little is known about specific roles that FMPs play in cancer management in some LMIC. The study seeks to understand the practices of FMPs in Nigeria regarding management of tumours and tumour-related illnesses.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elucidate the nature of the involvement of FMPs in cancer management, with ten FMPs who practice in three rural communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Using a pre-validated interview guide, information about the KAP of FMPs regarding their management of tumours, interactions among themselves and with local hospitals were collected and audio recorded with consent. Audio records were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were analysed thematically using the framework method.

Result: FMPs often identified tumours as diseases of visible masses, fungating lesions, ulceration, and bleeding reflecting the advanced stages and types of cancers they usually encounter. FMPs correctly identified some causes of cancer and believed they can treat and prevent cancer. Some plants identified by FMPs have documented anticancer properties. FMPs claimed to have high levels of successes with treatment of tumours even when orthodox treatments failed.

Conclusion: FMPs demonstrated considerably fair knowledge of cancers and could be an important resource in the management of tumour and related illnesses. However, more education and training for HMPs are required to enhance their knowledge, strengthen their ability to complement allopathic practitioners. Integrating FMPs into the health care system might be foster early detection and treatment efforts through appropriate and timely referrals.