Spirituality in gynecological oncology: a review

Abstract

The following is a review of some of the work that has been published on issues related to definitions of spirituality and the many ways in which religious or spiritual concerns inform and can sometimes mold the relationships between gynecologic oncology patients, their physicians, and their health. Moreover, we have raised the question whether there is something specific or unique to the experience of women patients with reproductive cancers? Although it might seem clear to many of us that these patients are unique, it is hard to say exactly why. While there are differences between the various types of reproductive cancers, all share a common thread and all undermine the patient's identity as a woman. For oncologists, exploring the connection between the healing of the body and the healing of the spirit recognizes the comprehensive character of cancer treatment, and furthers the understanding that both physicians and patients share a knowledge that what patients lose in their battle with cancer is more than simply a medical life.

A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature on Intercessory Prayer

“…Titles and abstracts were reviewed and pertinent articles obtained. Major reviews of the spirituality and religion literature were also examined (Astin, Harkness, & Ernst, 2000;Halperin, 2001;Harris, Thoresen, McCullough, & Larson, 1999;Johnson, 2002;Koenig et al, 2001;Masters, Spielmans, & Goodson, 2006;Ramondetta & Sills, 2004;Tolson & Koenig, 2003;Townsend, Kladder, Ayele, & Mulligan, 2002). Potentially relevant articles were read and the reference sections examined for other studies that might be pertinent to the present review.…”

The religiousness as a way of coping with anxiety in women with breast cancer at different disease stages

“…Reed presented different results. According to him, end-stage cancer patients show the highest level of religiousness [18]. To conclude, the study groups proved that religiousness appeared to be an important factor which helps in the coping with anxiety only in terminal breast cancer patients.…”

Analgesia adjuvante e alternativa

“…Não cabe ao terapeuta demover o paciente de suas crenças e cultura, sobretudo na abordagem da dor crônica, pois a emoção de rezar ao sagrado melhora o humor, promove relaxamento e funciona como efeito placebo. Não se pode esquecer que as pessoas têm fé na cura porque assim acreditam, mesmo que não haja comprovação científica [137][138][139] . O giro cingulado do córtex, o sistema límbico e a substân-cia cinzenta periaquedutal e ventricular estão inter-relacionados no processamento neuroendócrino da emoção e da dor por meio de transdução peptidérgica e monaminérgica.…”

“…The therapist should not change the patient's beliefs and culture, especially regarding chronic pain, because the emotion of praying improves mood, is relaxing, and has a placebo effect. We should not forget that people have faith in healing because they believe so, even without scientific proof [137][138][139] . The cyngulate gyrus of the cortex, the limbic system, and the periaqueductal and ventricular gray matter are interrelated in the neuroendocrine processing of emotion and pain through peptidergic and monoaminergic transduction.…”