Religion and Spirituality in Cancer Care

The terms spirituality and religion are often used interchangeably, but they may have different meanings for different people.

• Religion is defined as a specific set of beliefs and practices, typically within an organized group.
• Spirituality, on the other hand, is referred to as an individual's sense of peace, purpose, connection to others, and beliefs about the real and deep meaning of life.

Spirituality can be expressed through organized religion; therefore, an individual can be both religious and spiritual simultaneously.

People have different beliefs about life after death, miracles, and other religious beliefs based on gender, education, and ethnic background.

Spiritual coping is relying on spiritual or religious beliefs and practices to help cope with the disease. 

Some research studies have reported that doctors who support spiritual well-being in patients who are terminally ill help improve their quality of life.

Spiritual coping may help patients:

• Gain a better quality of life.
• Reduce the level of depression.
• Lower the level of distress (physical or emotional).
• Alleviate anxiety or fear of upcoming death.

Studies report that spiritual or religious beliefs and practices create a positive mental attitude, which helps patients feel better and improves the well-being of caregivers.

Spiritual and religious well-being may help improve health in the following ways:

• Decrease anxiety/depression/anger/discomfort
• Decrease the sense of isolation
• Reduce the risk of suicide
• Decrease alcohol and drug abuse
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Help the patient adjust to the effects of cancer (symptoms and its treatment)
• Increase the ability to enjoy life during cancer treatment
• Provide a feeling of personal growth
• Increase positive feelings, such as:
  • Hope
  • Optimism
  • Freedom from regret
  • Satisfaction with life
  • A sense of inner peace

The following are a few ways to provide spiritual care to self:

• Breathing exercises
• Chanting
• Connecting with nature
• Dancing
• Feng shui
• Gratitude
• Listening to music
• Loving/practicing kindness (leading a virtuous life)
• Meditation
• Prayer
• Reading spiritual writings
• Reiki
• Retreats/traveling/visiting sacred places
• Yoga

Compassionate care involves holistically serving the person: physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

To serve their patients with compassionate care, physicians can begin with the following:

• Practice compassionate presence (being fully aware and attentive to their patients)
• Be supportive of them in all of their suffering (physical, emotional, and spiritual)
• Listen to the fears, hopes, pain, and dreams of the patient
• Get acquainted with their spiritual history
• Be attentive to all dimensions of patients and their families
• Incorporate spiritual practices
• Involve chaplains (spiritual advisors) as members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team