Elsevier

Annals of Oncology

Volume 23, Supplement 3, April 2012, Pages iii49-iii55
Annals of Oncology

symposium articles
Spirituality in the cancer trajectory

https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mds088Get rights and content
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ABSTRACT

Spirituality is an essential element of person-centered care and a critical factor in the way patients with cancer cope with their illness from diagnosis through treatment, survival, recurrence and dying. Studies have indicated a significant relationship between spirituality and quality of life. Spirituality, in its broadest sense speaks to the meaning patients find in their lives especially during times of stress, illness and dying. Illness can trigger deep existential issues that could trigger profound suffering and distress. A model is presented that describes the role of each member of the healthcare team in addressing patients' spirituality. Spiritual distress, as a diagnosis, requires attention and treatment just as any other clinical symptom. Spiritual resources of strength need to be identifies and recognized as positive factors in patients' coping. Finally a treatment plan needs to include the spiritual as well as the physical and psychosocial issues of patients. Chaplains and other spiritual care professionals need to be recognized as the experts in spiritual care and should be integral members of the healthcare team. Integrating spirituality as an essential domain of care will result in better health outcomes, particularly quality of life for patients across the trajectory of cancer care.

Key words

spirituality
religion
cancer
health
spirituality and health
spiritual issues
spiritual stress

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The editors have declared no conflicts of interest.

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The editors have declared no conflicts of interest.

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The editors have declared no conflicts of interest.