February 12, 2018

10 Tips for Keeping Relationships Strong Through the Cancer Journey

Living with cancer is one of the hardest things a person may face in his or her lifetime. Not only do cancer patients have to battle the disease and the side effects from treatment, cancer can also test relationships. Michael Uhl, MA, MDiv, LMFT, Mind-Body Therapist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Zion, […]

August 10, 2015

Rituals of Faith

Prayer and other spiritual practices can be an important source of support and solace for patients and families during their cancer journey. Major illness is a physically taxing and emotionally draining experience for everyone involved—patients and family members—and faith-based rituals provide much-needed comfort and encouragement. “We all have a spiritual dimension to our lives, whether […]

August 10, 2015

Prayer Rituals for Patients and Family Members

Catholic Religious practices include bedside prayers, the Eucharist (if requested) and the use of sacramental aids in the spiritual life, including such items as rosary beads and holy images of saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus. “During the Anointing of the Sick, a priest will anoint the patient with blessed oil, forgive all sins […]

May 15, 2015

Spiritual Sanctuary

Patients diagnosed with cancer today have access to an increasing array of advanced therapies, but for some another tool that has withstood the test of time becomes invaluable on their cancer journey: faith. Reverend Percy McCray, National Director of Faith-Based Spiritual Programming at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), says that pastoral care providers at […]

November 3, 2014

The Power of Prayer

A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can have a profound emotional and spiritual impact on those touched by the disease. For many patients and their caregivers, turning to prayer can help ease the burden, helping them better cope with the challenges they face. According to a National Cancer Institute summary of research related to the […]

September 21, 2014

10 Tools to Nurture Your Spirit During Cancer

When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment, like many patients and caregivers, you may feel overwhelmed from time to time. For those moments when your spirit needs a boost, it can help to have tools in your back pocket to rely upon. The Pastoral Care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Tulsa, […]

September 12, 2014

Scripture Provides Encouragement

Everyone needs encouragement occasionally, especially when facing cancer. The Pastoral Care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Tulsa, Oklahoma suggests scripture as a source of encouragement. For patients of the Christian faith, the Bible has many scripture verses to inspire us during our daily lives. The list below is just a few. If […]

July 29, 2014

Cancer Care Ministries

Spiritual congregations can serve many roles for their members, providing invaluable support in myriad spiritual, social and practical ways. As the leader of a faith community, a pastor is often asked to minister to members on not only questions of faith, but on concerns that range from divorce to parenting to financial matters. And while […]

May 1, 2014

Advance Directives: Preparation and Peace of Mind

According to Chip Gordon, MDiv, Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Newnan, Georgia, many people have a misconception about advance directives. He says that individuals often consider these written statements, which explain how you want medical decisions made if you can no longer make them yourself, as a sign […]

May 1, 2014

Solace for the Soul

The fight against cancer requires a variety of tools, and research continues to show that spirituality and religion can play a significant role in patients’ well-being. A review of recent studies and literature related to this aspect of cancer care reflects the physical, mental and emotional benefit of spirituality in patients’ experiences with cancer. Spirituality […]