LOCAL UNORTHODOX HEALERS OF CANCER IN THE APPALACHIAN SOUTH

This paper examines the local popular tradition of unorthodox cancer h ealers and treatments in the Appalachian South. An in-depth case study of an unorthodox cancer healer is presented which focuses on his recr uitment to the role of healer, the origin and method of his cancer tre atment, and a profile of his client population. The case study is foll owed by a discussion of other unorthodox healers of cancer in the regi on for the purpose of elucidating the distinction between the local an d mass popular traditions of unorthodox cancer medicine. There is an h istorically deep and enduring tradition of unorthodox cancer treatment s in the Appalachian South, and no doubt other regions of the U.S. as well, which should be considered for a better understanding of the hea lth care alternatives available and the health seeking behavior of ind ividuals who use them.