Exploring Spirituality’s Role in Oncology Care: Scoping Review

Description

The European Commission’s Better Life for Cancer Patients initiative emphasizes improving the quality of life (QoL) for cancer patients, highlighting the importance of integrated psychosocial cancer care (European Commission, 2021). Addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs is crucial, as cancer often challenges patients’ spiritual beliefs and worldview (Casellas-Grau et al., 2021). Despite evidence linking spirituality to QoL improvements in oncology (Bai & Lazenby, 2015), research on spiritual concerns among patients undergoing treatment, survivors, or those facing uncertain prognoses remains limited.

This scoping review analyzed 51 quantitative studies (2019–2023) to explore spirituality's role in supporting oncology patients’ adaptation to illness and life. The research addressed three key questions: (1) What spiritual concepts are studied in this population? (2) How are these concepts measured? (3) What associations do they reveal?

Findings indicate that positive spirituality—expressed through hope, meaning, and connectedness—is associated with better mental health and improved adaptation to cancer and its treatment. Conversely, negative spirituality—characterized by spiritual distress or existential crisis—correlates with poorer health outcomes and maladaptive adjustment. A major barrier in this field is the lack of consensus on defining and measuring spirituality in oncology, complicating research and practice.

The study underscores the critical need for structured spiritual care within cancer treatment protocols. Interventions fostering adaptive coping strategies through spirituality may enhance mental health and overall QoL. Addressing non-adaptive coping mechanisms is essential for holistic oncology care, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and well-being.

Period	28 Mar 2025
Event title	RSU Research week 2025: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	10
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International