Faith-based conversations between doctors and cancer patients significantly ease stress and depression, according to a new U.S. study.
A new U.S. study has revealed that religious faith and spirituality significantly improve the emotional well-being of cancer patients during treatment.
Researchers at the Mount Sinai Health System found that patients undergoing radiation therapy for gynecological and other cancers experienced reduced stress and depression when doctors engaged them in conversations about spirituality.
According to the findings, 82 percent of patients considered their faith “very important” in their lives, with many admitting that their depression eased due to the strength they drew from religious beliefs.
Medical experts said the study is the first to identify specific spiritual questions patients are most comfortable discussing with physicians. They emphasized that “spiritual health should be considered as important as physical health,” noting that patients who received such support reported feeling calmer and more hopeful.
The researchers plan to expand the study and introduce protocols that integrate faith-based care into routine cancer treatment.