Spiritual Support and Cancer

Living with cancer can feel like living with uncertainty. Sometimes that uncertainty can lead you to think about spiritual questions. Spiritual support can be an important source of strength and comfort during cancer care. It can help you find meaning, peace, and connection, whether through faith, personal beliefs, or the support of others.  

How are spirituality and religion different?

Spirituality means having a sense of connection to a higher power, sometimes called God, source, spirit, or the universe, and to other beings around you. It involves deep values that you live by. Anyone can develop a sense of spirituality and express it in ways that feel right to them. Spirituality can offer purpose, inner peace, a sense of hope in any condition, and can improve your quality of life.

Religion is a commitment to a system of beliefs or cultural practices. It involves traditions that guide the way you behave and how you view morals. Religion is often supported by communities with the same beliefs. There are many different religions. Oftentimes, they involve practices or rituals like:

• Prayers and readings
• Dance
• Lighting, like lamps, incense, or candles
• Food or meal practices, like fasting or feasts
• Rituals, like initiation ceremonies or end-of-life rites
• Clothing, like robes, shawls, head coverings, collars, and caps

Spirituality and religion often overlap. Spiritual people might borrow religious practices, like meditation or lighting incense, to express their beliefs. Religious people may connect to their spirituality during religious practices.

How cancer affects spirituality or religion

A cancer diagnosis commonly challenges spiritual or religious beliefs in people with cancer and their caregivers. It can cause spiritual distress.

People with cancer may find themselves asking asking: “Why is this happening?”, "What does my life really mean?", or “What happens after death?”. You may feel angry, scared, or unsure about your beliefs. You may even become interested in developing a sense of spirituality or joining a religious community, even though you've never been a religious or spiritual person.

Family members and caregivers may have spiritual questions too. They might: 

• Be afraid of losing their loved one 
• Wonder if they somehow caused the cancer 
• Feel exhausted 
• Be angry or frustrated with their loved one with cancer, treatment, the care team, or the whole situation 

It’s important for you to take some time to assess how you feel, connect with spiritual supporters, and work through any problems you have. It may take some time, but many people have worked through their spiritual distress with time and support.

How spirituality or religion can help with cancer

A sense of spirituality or religion can provide comfort and strength when you or someone you care about is facing cancer. These beliefs can help you cope with stress, find hope, and feel less alone during difficult times. Studies have shown that a person’s beliefs are important for health care decision-making. Being spiritual or religious can even help reduce side effects like anxiety and depression.

Getting support

Your cancer care team should respect your beliefs and offer support. Cancer care teams may offer integrative (holistic) therapies that engage your mind, body, and spirit. You can also ask about support groups or resources that might be offered at your cancer care clinic or in your area. These can be helpful for those with cancer and their caregivers.

Spiritual advisors and chaplains

Non-religious spiritual advisors or religious chaplains are mentors who provide guidance and insight to help you in your spiritual journey. They can help guide you to develop positive values, beliefs, and practices, like mindfulness. They can help you discover your values, beliefs, and your purpose in life. They provide clarity where needed and help you through crises.

In some health care facilities, spiritual advisors or chaplains will work with your cancer care team on how to provide you with spiritual care. Some health care facilities don’t have chaplains or spiritual advisors. Still, there should be members from the cancer care team who can make a referral.