Harnessing Religion and Spirituality to Alleviate Stress in Radiation Therapy Patients

Research conducted by the Mount Sinai Health System highlights the significant role that addressing patients' religious and spiritual needs can play in managing stress during radiation therapy, especially for those with gynecologic cancers. Published in the September/October 2025 issue of Practical Radiation Oncology, this study is pioneering in identifying which aspects of spiritual history patients prioritize and find meaningful.

A collaborative effort between Mount Sinai and NYU Langone Health examined how spiritual considerations influence patient well-being. Key contributors included Dr. Lauren Jacobs, a radiation oncology resident at Mount Sinai; Dr. Karyn Goodman, Vice Chair for Research and Quality at Mount Sinai; and Dr. Stella Lymberis of NYU. They employed the FICA Spiritual History Tool, developed by Dr. Christina Puchalski, to interview 11 patients with diverse faith backgrounds, including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism, all of whom had undergone external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy.

The study revealed that 82% of participants rated their faith as extremely important in coping with their treatment. Most patients found the questions related to spirituality, particularly "Do you have spiritual beliefs that help you cope with stress?" and "Have your beliefs influenced how you handle stress?", to be highly helpful in initiating meaningful conversations with healthcare providers.

Considering the invasive and emotionally distressing nature of gynecologic radiation therapies like brachytherapy, these findings are especially pertinent. Prior research indicates that nearly one-third of cervical cancer patients experience acute stress post-treatment, with over 40% exhibiting post-traumatic stress symptoms months later.

Dr. Goodman emphasizes that spirituality is as crucial as physical health for patients. Engaging in these discussions can enhance emotional support, reduce distress, and promote holistic cancer care. Future plans include expanding the study to larger patient groups, integrating spiritual assessments earlier in the treatment process, and developing protocols and training for clinicians to routinely address spiritual health as part of comprehensive patient care.

This approach underscores the importance of personalized patient-centered care, recognizing spiritual health as a vital component of overall well-being during cancer treatment.