Updated August 19, 2015.
Does spirituality play a role in lung cancer treatment? We hear people talk about their faith helping them through their cancer journey. We in turn offer our thoughts and prayers. Intuitively many of us sense that our spirituality plays a role in our health, and ability to cope with a life-threatening disease. But what does the medical research say? Does our faith play a role in cancer treatment? And if so, should the medical profession address our spiritual needs as it does our physical and emotional needs?
The research is scant, but a few studies now suggest that spirituality is important for coping, and in some cases, may even affect your prognosis after a diagnosis of lung cancer.
What is spirituality? The National Cancer Institute defines spirituality as an individual’s belief about the meaning of life. These beliefs may be expressed through organized religion, or in other ways such as the arts, communing with nature, yoga or meditation.
Coping With Cancer
Several studies have shown that religiosity and spirituality contribute significantly to the adjustment to a diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment. Individuals who rely on their faith tend to have more active coping styles, addressing treatment options in a more positive manner. These benefits extend beyond those living with cancer, and caregivers who consider spirituality important in their lives, are also able to cope better as they care for their loved ones with cancer.
Lung Cancer Treatment
In addition to approaching treatment in a more positive light, an active spiritual life may enhance the benefits of chemotherapy.
In a recent study, patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer were observed during chemotherapy. The response rate to chemotherapy was significantly higher in the group that reported a high degree of faith. Following chemotherapy, these patients also had a healthier immune system than those who reported little or no faith.
Lung Cancer Survival
In a recent study, the 3-year survival rate for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer was significantly higher than for those with a high faith score vs individuals with a low faith score. This was a small study (only 50 patients), but something we should pay attention to given the inadequate treatment options we now have. I do think it is important to point out that having faith does not guarantee survival. Many of us know of someone – who despite having a very strong faith and active spiritual life – lost their battle with cancer.
Quality of Life With Cancer
Studies also tell us that patients who are given spiritual support by religious communities, have a significantly better quality of life. Whether this is due to an individual’s faith or the services that such a community can provide is uncertain. Regardless, many religious communities can provide support for those living with cancer ranging from social interaction, to assistance with chores and transportation, to financial assistance in some cases.
Physical and Functional Well-Being
A 2015 meta-analysis looking at over 2000 studies found that religion/spirituality was associated with better patient reported physical health and functioning.
Spirituality, Cancer and the Medical Profession
Quality of life for those with living with cancer also has been shown to improve when spiritual support is provided by the medical system. Sadly, in another recent study out of Harvard, 72% of cancer patients stated that their spiritual needs were addressed minimally or not at all by the medical system.
Sources:
Balboni, T. et al. Religiousness and spiritual support among advanced cancer patients and association with end-of-life treatment preferences and quality of life. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007. 25(2):467-8.
Jim, H. et al. Religion, spirituality, and physical health in cancer patients: A meta-analysis. Cancer Published online first 10 Aug 2015.
Lissoni, P. et al. A spiritual approach in the treatment of cancer: relation between faith score and response to chemotherapy in advanced non small cell lung cancer patients. In Vivo. 2008. 22(5):577-81.
Lissoni, P. et al. Efficacy of cancer chemotherapy in relation to synchronization of cortisol rhythm, immune status and psychospiritual profile in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. In Vivo. 2008. 22(2):257-62.
Messina, G. et al. The importance of spirituality in supportive care. International Journal of Yoga. 2011. 4(1):33-8.
Mueller, P. et al. Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2001. 76(12):1225-35.
National Cancer Institute. Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ). Health Professional Version. 01/13/12. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/spirituality/HealthProfessional.
Tarakeshwar, N. et al. Religious coping is associated with the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Journal of Palliative Medicine. 2006. 9(3):646-57.
Weaver, A., and K. Flannelly. The role of religion/spirituality for cancer patients and their caregivers. Southern Medical Journal. 2004. 97(12):1210-4.
Source...