How religion affects well-being in cancer patients

[AussieNeil]

Three meta-analyses, published in Cancer, indicate that religion and spirituality have significant associations with patients’ health. The findings with regard to physical, mental and social health respectively, showed that:

1. "Patients reporting greater overall religiousness and spirituality reported better physical health, greater ability to perform their usual daily tasks, and fewer physical symptoms of cancer and treatment."

2. “Spiritual well-being was, unsurprisingly, associated with less anxiety, depression, or distress,”

3. "Religion and spirituality, as well as each of its dimensions, had modest but reliable links with social health."

Hematology Times (free membership)

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Neil

[jangreen]

Hi during chemotherapy meditation was suggested to try to help with the horrible side effects. I found it very helpful and continue even today with Christian healing and meditation. It's very relaxing and I look forward to having that time for myself. Best wishes

[ballyhoo]

I also believe in the power of prayer, it has helped me to deal with this difficult illness we all have. God bless all.

[Yarwis]

My faith and prayers, and the prayers of friends and family, sustained me through the most difficult times, and continue to do so. What's more, answers to those prayers meant that I knew I would get through and live to see my young children grow up. They are both at university now and I am eternally grateful to be here enjoying family life with relative health. What a blessing!

[canadagoose]

There are no atheists in foxholes?

[marcyh]

I have found a depth of hope and peace AD (after diagnosis) that I didn't have BC (before cancer).

[greygirl]

Saw your post. I wouldn`t be able to endure all this without faith in God. Yes, I think we can`t be worry free but we are able to control it. My hematologist says I worry to much about the drug side effects but he hasn`t had to take these very powerful drugs and come off unscathed. One can not even compare them to a blood pressure pill or cholesterol pill! And we should be cautious because it`s our life we have to live with. ok won`t write a book signing offff.