Spirituality is a person's sense of peace, intention, and relationship to others, as well as their views on life's meaning.

Spiritual Coping- Many cancer patients turn to spirituality and practices for support as they deal with their illness. Depending on cultural and religious traditions, each person may have distinct spiritual needs. 
Spiritual practices can help patients feel better and increase the well-being of family caregivers by cultivating a positive mental attitude. Spirituality benefits the patient's wellbeing in the following ways:

  • Decrease anxiety, depression, anger, and discomfort.
  • Decrease alcohol and drug abuse
  • Reduce feelings of loneliness and the risk of suicide.
  • Lower blood pressure and heart disease risk.
  • Help the patient adjust to the effects of cancer and its treatment.
  • Enhance your ability to enjoy life while undergoing cancer treatment.
  • A result of living with cancer gives a sense of personal development.
  • Increase positive feelings- Hope and optimism, freedom from regret, satisfaction with life, a sense of inner peace. 

To address patients' spiritual issues, various modes of intervention or assistance could be considered.

1. Hospital chaplain.

Chaplains in hospitals can help with moral and religious issues because they are trained to deal with a wide range of issues that arise for medical patients and to be sensitive to their varied beliefs and concerns.
2. Support groups that address spiritual issues.

Large group format and addressing both basic coping issues and spiritual concerns and healing, using a combination of group exploration, meditation, prayer, and other spiritually oriented exercises.
3. Mobile Applications
1.Soulvana App- Available on iOS and Android
2.Gaia App- Available on iOS and Android
4. Others

Click here to know about "Art Therapy as Healing"

Click here for "Mindfulness Resources".


References- 1. Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®)–Patient Version - National Cancer Institute. (2003, August 24). Www.Cancer.Gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/day-to-day/faith-and-spirituality/spirituality-pdq