What are they?
Spirituality is a very individual concept. For some people, it may mean being part of an organised religion such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism or connecting deeply to culture. For others, spirituality may reflect their individual beliefs about the universe and their place in it, or a search for meaning and purpose in their lives.
Why use them
When people are diagnosed with cancer, the spiritual aspect of their lives often becomes more important. People may find comfort in prayer, meditation or quiet contemplation.
Receiving care from a spiritual care practitioner, who may be called a pastoral carer, chaplain or priest, can help people – even those who are not part of an organised religion.
What to expect
If you are part of a spiritual or religious community, you may benefit from:
- prayer or meditation groups
- a feeling of unity and connection with the congregation
- practical, emotional and spiritual support offered by members of your spiritual or religious community.
If you are not part of a formal community, you can find out more about your area of spiritual interest from a spiritual care practitioner, support groups, friendship groups, your local library or online. A spiritual care practitioner is often a member of the team at hospitals and cancer treatment centres.
What is the evidence?
There’s growing scientific evidence of a positive link between spiritual practice and health. It has been shown to reduce stress, instil a sense of peace and improve the ability to manage challenges.
Meditation and Relaxation Podcast
Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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