In the July 10 issue of Oncology Times, Cynthia Washam discusses the recent National Cancer Institute study Spirituality in Cancer Care, which says that only 1% of cancer outpatients reported that their physician asked about spiritual needs.
“By avoiding discussion of faith, clinicians deny cancer patients a service that not only brings comfort, but may enhance their quality of life,” says Washam, who cites oncology experts encouraging physicians to take the lead in broaching the topic with their patients.
Tools like the “Faith, Importance/Influence, Community and Address Spiritual History” (FICA) can help physicians assess a patients needs in these areas quickly and easily.
Educational materials such as CancerCare’s fact sheet, “Strengthening the Spirit” are available to help patients interested in developing and strengthening their spirituality as a way to cope.
