癌症病人之靈性與生活品質

Spirituality and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

"Cancer diagnosis and treatment are amongst the most stressful experiences in a person’s life. The American Psychiatric Association locates cancer amongst psychosomatic diseases. Psychosomatic diseases are directly related to modern stressors that weaken the human immune system and contribute to the activation of various diseases. Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women and is among the leading causes of death in women in Europe. It is estimated that one in every nine women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Modern medicine has begun to make connections between spirituality and health. Healthcare professionals are beginning to see the importance of recognizing patients’spiritual needs, which may play a significant role during treatment. Research has shown that for many cancer patients spirituality has an important effect and may produce a positive psychological response to a patient's negative experience, and acceptance of their reality of life, and may impact clinical outcomes and recovery from disease."