Often, people need help answering difficult questions that arise about their spirituality and beliefs—some-times they may even question long-held beliefs. Many people wonder why they or their family member was diagnosed with cancer, and they speculate about whether God is punishing them, or maybe testing them. These thoughts are common, but they also can create added anxiety if left unaddressed.
Faith and the strength derived from spirituality can be a crucial part of coping with a diagnosis of cancer. If you or your spouse belongs to a religious group, or if you attend services, you may find further support from others in your religious community. Many people with cancer and their families have been comforted by their own prayers and by knowing that others are praying for their recovery. You may choose to meet with a hospital chaplain or use your own spiritual support system to begin to understand your current experiences in the context of your own beliefs.
Seeking meaning in your lives, especially in the context of the diagnosis, can be an important part of exploring spirituality. Even if you are not religious or spiritual, you and your partner may have philosophical concerns you may want to discuss with a hospital chaplain or with someone else you trust.