A new study from the United States has found that spirituality and religious beliefs can significantly reduce stress and depression among cancer patients, offering them comfort and strength during treatment.
The research, carried out by the Mount Sinai Health System, focused on patients receiving radiation therapy for gynecological and other types of cancer. It showed that when doctors engaged patients in conversations about faith and spirituality, many felt more understood and emotionally supported.
This study is the first of its kind to identify the spiritual topics patients prefer to discuss during treatment. Researchers found that such conversations not only eased emotional pain but also boosted patients’ ability to cope with stress.
According to the results, 82 percent of participants described their faith as “very important” in their lives. Many said their depression decreased when they leaned on spiritual practices or beliefs, helping them remain resilient throughout their cancer journey.
Experts noted that cancer patients are especially vulnerable to stress, with more than 40 percent even developing post-traumatic stress after treatment. In these cases, faith acted as a powerful tool to fight fear and uncertainty.
Doctors involved in the study emphasized that emotional and spiritual health should be treated with the same importance as physical health. Patients who received this type of care reported feeling calmer, more hopeful, and better prepared for the challenges of treatment.
Researchers plan to expand the study to include more patients and different types of cancers. They are also developing training programs for healthcare providers to help them integrate spiritual discussions into routine medical care, making faith and emotional support a regular part of cancer therapy.
