God, spirituality and religion in women dying from gynecological cancer

Abstract

Thoughts of death and dying will prevail constantly in the minds of women with gynecologic cancer. Invariably, there is the hope that, when the end comes, there will be ‘a good death’. End-of-life decisions, with particular emphasis on what the patient and her family constitute ‘a good death’ to be, will be influenced by emotional, psychological, mental, physical, spiritual and religious backgrounds. It is important to allow patients to resolve their despair by communicating their innermost thoughts. Spirituality and religious belief are important components that may play major roles in enabling patients to obtain peace and require the participation of all members of the health-care team managing the cases. Clinicians should appreciate the patient's concerns, beliefs, fears, spiritual and religious needs and be sensitive to comments that may indicate spiritual distress. Active listening and supportive dialogue may help patients work through existential issues and find peace. Patients who are in spiritual distress should be referred to certified and trained spiritual care professionals, chaplains, counselors and clergy.