Another belief some people have is that God doesn't give us things we can't handle. If people have problems coping with their illness, they may feel they are disappointing God or failing in some way. People may even get angry at God when they get cancer. They may find it hard to pray or to know what to pray for.
Even people who don't think they are religious may find themselves asking questions about faith or the meaning of life. Because people attach meaning to events, questions often arise about life's value and how life will change after a diagnosis of cancer.
The answers to these questions aren't always easy to find. For some people, cancer leads to a crisis in their faith. This may be the first time they are faced with disturbing questions. Pastoral counselors can be helpful. This is not to say that the clergy have all the answers to life's most difficult problems. However, they are willing to help people search for answers.
Sometimes people think the clergy should be called only when someone is near death. But the clergy can be helpful at any time during the illness. People differ in what they need from their clergy. For some people, saying a prayer together is helpful. Others may want to discuss their feelings and questions in more depth. A pastoral counselor can serve as a sounding board to help you find out how life can have new meaning after you are diagnosed with cancer. If you have spiritual concerns, talking with the clergy might be helpful.Some people use prayer to help cope with their cancer. There is no scientific proof prayer alone will cure cancer. However, prayer is based on faith, not on science. Prayer and scientifically tested cancer treatments should not interfere with each other. Getting medical treatment should not prevent people from praying, and praying should not prevent people from getting the best, scientifically tested treatment for cancer.
If prayer has helped you deal with other troubles, it will probably also be comforting how. At the very least, prayer may help you feel less alone. If prayer is useful to you, combine it with the best medical treatment for your cancer.
Spiritual counseling is available through:
This Fact Sheet is adapted from the book, Helping People Cope: A Guide for Families Facing Cancer, written by Joan F. Hermann, ACSW, Sandra L. Wojtkowiak, RN, MSN, Peter S. Houts, PhD, and S. Benham Kahn, MD, and supported by the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health; 1990 Revised Edition.
c 1993, Arnerican Cancer Society Inc.
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