Spirituality

Even though there are more cancer survivors today than ever before, a cancer diagnosis can be scary for patients and family members as they are suddenly faced with the issue of death. 

Spirituality and religion can sometimes help patients and families come to terms with a cancer diagnosis. Some patients tend to experience a sense of personal growth during cancer treatment, while living with cancer, and as a cancer survivor. During times of pain and discomfort these and other practices can often help take you mentally to another place where you feel at ease, relaxed and at peace.

Finding Spiritual or Religious Comfort

By making your health care team aware of any religious or spiritual beliefs, they can make sure that your  concerns, practices and needs can be respected and addressed appropriately. Your health care team can often advise and refer you to a local chaplain, appropriate religious leader, or support group.

 

It is important to remember that cancer doesn’t affect only the person with the illness. It affects their family members and friends as well.  Family members and friends may need time to come to terms with a cancer diagnosis and may seek spiritual or religious comfort as well.  There are a number of cancer support centers in Ireland who offer counselling services for family members and friends who have a loved with cancer. 

 

Useful Resources:

• The Dominican Retreat Centre is a place of pilgrimmage and has been since 769 AD. Today, it is a symbol of the abiding presence of God in the midst of change, it continues to be a place of peace, contemplation, and renewal for all who come here. For more information, visit The Dominican Retreat Centre’s homepage.
• The Margaret Aylward Centre for Faith and Dialogue is a place of prayer, tranquility, conversation and dialogue for all. Focused on dialogue and connection to each individuals spiritituality which they fascilitate with their Spirituality Library. For more information about the centre and what they can offer you, visit The Margaret Aylward Centre.
• The Irish Hospice Foundation has a library of helpful videos, exploring mindfulness, how to answer difficult questions and religion and spirituality. All of these resources can be found at the Irish Hospice Foundation’s Spirituality at End Of Life page.