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Understanding Patient Priorities for Religious and Spiritual Needs During Radiation Therapy for Gynecological Malignancies

  • 0Department of Radiation Oncology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Radiation Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.
Practical Radiation Oncology +

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August 31, 2025

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August 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Patients undergoing gynecologic cancer radiation therapy highly value discussions about religion and spirituality (R/S). Questions about how R/S helps manage stress were most effective in opening conversations with providers.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Psychosocial Oncology
  • Spiritual Care

Background

  • Religion and spirituality (R/S) impact patient quality of life and health outcomes.
  • Gynecologic cancer patients often experience significant distress post-treatment.
  • The FICA Spiritual History Tool assesses R/S across four key domains.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the importance of R/S for gynecologic cancer patients post-radiation therapy.
  • To identify the most effective FICA questions for initiating conversations about R/S.
  • To understand how R/S influences patients' coping mechanisms during treatment.

Main Methods

  • Interviewed 11 gynecologic cancer patients treated with radiation therapy using the FICA Spiritual History Tool.
  • Assessed patient perceptions of each FICA question's helpfulness.
  • Identified questions that best facilitate provider-patient conversations regarding R/S.

Main Results

  • 82% of patients rated their faith's importance as 5/5.
  • Patients found an average of 9.5 out of 11 FICA questions helpful.
  • The most helpful questions focused on R/S's role in coping with and handling stress.

Conclusions

  • Gynecologic cancer patients desire R/S conversations during treatment.
  • Questions about stress and coping are key conversation starters.
  • Exploring R/S can enhance understanding of patient stress and anxiety, warranting further research.

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