The Influence of Spirituality and Religiosity in Acceptance of the Disease and Treatment of Oncologic Patients: an Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Religiosity and spirituality are unique factors in human health. They are helpful in dealing with cancer in its natural course. Objective: Analyze the national and international scientific publications involving the themes of Spirituality and Religiosity in Cancer Patients. Method: Integrative literature review that searched SciELO, MEDLINE and EBSCO databases for articles published between January 2009 and January 2019, in Portuguese and in English, about the influence of spirituality and religiosity in cancer patients from. Results: Eight articles reported the influence of religiosity and spirituality from the moment of cancer diagnosis through acceptance of the treatment. 10 articles reported that both serve as support, chance of facing life and death differently and to improve the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Religiosity and spirituality help patients with the consequences of cancer and will influence their life and lifestyle during and after treatment. Moreover, they constitute a strategy that legitimizes and mitigates uncertainty about moral, personal and social issues related to the chronic oncological condition. Conclusion: Attachment to spirituality and religiosity positively influences the biopsychosocial health of cancer patients. Moreover, patients endowed with spirituality and religiosity may have better acceptance of cancer treatment, in addition of greater hope and positiveness during the course of the disease.