Spirituality in Cancer Care: Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI PDQ]

This information is produced and provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National Cancer Institute via the Internet web site at
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Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®)


Overview


Many cancer patients rely on spiritual and/or religious beliefs and practices to help them cope with their disease. This is called spiritual coping. Studies have shown that female caregivers also commonly rely on spiritual coping. Some patients and their family-caregivers may want doctors to address spiritual concerns, but may feel unsure about how to bring up the subject. Patients may express their spiritual needs in different ways, depending on their cultural and religious traditions. Cancer professionals are looking at new ways to address these religious and spiritual concerns as part of overall quality of life. Medical staff may therefore ask patients to identify spiritual issues that are important to them, not only for end-of-life issues but also during treatment.