Cancer treatment stresses the body physically and mentally. But regardless of the type of cancer, one form of alternative medicine that seems to help is spirituality.
Studies show that regardless of someone’s religious orientation, spirituality may still play a role in helping that patient cope with cancer treatment. “An agnostic or atheist could be ‘spiritual’ — that is, have a reverence for life and a deep appreciation for the suffering of others,” says Michael Stefanek, PhD, director of the Behavioural Research Centre of the American Cancer Society. “The term ‘spirituality’ attempts to catch these beliefs and attitudes.”
Spirituality and Cancer Treatment: How Does It Help?
Just how spirituality helps with cancer treatment is unknown, but Dr. Stefanek offers some ideas.
“Prayer, saying the rosary, and other behaviours can be comforting, as [can] many secular rituals, such as a regular stroll in the park. They can also serve a distracting purpose away from the worries of the illness,” says Stefanek. “Prayer and meditation may also serve a relaxing function, at which time our bodies may slow down, blood pressure may drop, heart rate decreases, and muscle tension decreases — all physiological effects potentially healthy for us
Spirituality also may decrease anxiety, anger, and discomfort and increase feelings of hope and optimism. It may even help a patient live longer.
Spirituality and Cancer Treatment: Judith’s Story
As a busy public relations executive in New York City, Judith Feder didn’t have time for cancer. But when she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and a poor long-term outlook a few years ago, she had little choice but to confront it head on.
A devout Jew who attended synagogue, Feder found her faith tested. “The first time I cried was when I went to my synagogue to see my son in a program a couple of days after my diagnosis,” she says. “My mother had told my rabbi about the situation, and he approached me. I was very concerned for my son, who was 7 at the time, and it all came to a head that morning.”
Feder went into “action mode.” Besides the intensive cancer treatment she received, s
Embrace your own support group. Your relationships with friends, family, and clergy members from your own church or place of worship are vital. If people have their own strong relationships, chaplains serve a complementary role. But sometimes it does help to have an additional person, outside of the immediate family, be involved in the healing process. “Family dynamics don’t change, and when a person gets sick, it can often challenge those relationships,” Dr. Johnson says.
Get into a routine. Stefanek says that creating a routine for your spiritual practices can help when dealing with cancer treatment. For more secular relaxation therapies, experts recommend patients practice every day at a set time. “If done regularly, it can serve a ritual function to help relieve stress.”
Ask yourself the tough questions. If you can’t decide whether you need help, ask yourself the following questions:
Johnson says if any of your answers seem disturbing or cause anxiety, it might be a good idea to talk to someone about your feelings.
Be realistic. A strong belief and practice of spirituality can certainly help your mind as you cope with cancer treatment, but it’s unlikely to change the outcome. That’s why Johnson says patients should come to grips with this reality and reach a peace about it. “One of the biggest problems we see is spiritual distress — when what people believe isn’t helping right now,” she says. “If we can help them come to terms with this and be at peace, then we’ve done our jobs.”
Whatever your own belief or prescribed cancer treatment may be, spirituality may be an appropriate form of alternative medicine to help you cope with this life-altering experience.
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