Cancer, treatment and religion: What impact?

Despite advances in treatment, the diagnosis and management of cancer remains a physical and psychological ordeal for the patient. Many authors have studied the impact of religiosity in cancer patients. The aim of our study was to describe the psychological influence of religious beliefs and practices in these patients.

We conducted a descriptive study of 50 patients undergoing treatment in the Radiation Oncology Department. The Arabic version of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORFQ) was used to assess religious faith. The patient's psychological experience was assessed through a questionnaire.

The entire population was Muslim. The mean age was 60.5years (34-85years), 60% of whom were women. Breast cancer was predominant (46%). Twenty-six percent of the population was illiterate. The majority of patients (66%) reported an increase in their faith since the announcement of the disease. The religiosity score increased significantly with age (P=0.019). A positive correlation between time since diagnosis and number of prayers per day (P=0.009). The lower the level of education, the higher was the degree of faith (P=0.013). Moreover, low degrees of education were linked to greater acceptance of all therapeutic decisions (P=0.016).

This study suggests the value of religious beliefs in helping cancer patients come to terms with their illness.