Spiritual needs and quality of life of cancer patients

Spirituality is important in cancer care. Few studies have assessed the spiritual needs (SN) of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess the SN of cancer patients and evaluate its relationship with their health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

We conducted a unicenter cross-sectional study of patients undergoing cancer treatment. We used validated instruments (Duke University Religion Index-DUREL, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well Being-FACIT-SP, and Spiritual Needs Assessment for Patients-SNAP) and a questionnaire about the healthcare team's approach to spirituality.

From March to October/2022, 150 patients were included: 75 receiving curative-intent and 75 under palliative cancer-directed therapy. Patients who wished a spirituality approach by the healthcare team had higher SN than patients who did not want it (p < 0.0001), but lower HRQOL scores (p = 0.004). Neither SN nor HRQOL differed according to treatment intention (p = 0.444 and p = 0.159 respectively). There was a weak correlation between SN and HRQOL. The answers about the wish for a spirituality approach were grouped in four categories: (1) approach by the health team, (2) comprehension of spirituality/religiosity, (3) impact of the spirituality/religiosity approach, and (4) self-referential or other-referential responses. Participants perceived very few discussions on spirituality.

In our study, patients who wished a spiritual approach had higher SN and lower QOL. SN were not related to cancer treatment intentions. Further studies could evaluate screening and interventions in this area.