Can Your Faith Help You Fight Cancer?

What research says about spirituality and cancer –– and how to apply it

Although a cancer diagnosis at first left Sherrie Smyth feeling gutted, it wasn’t long before she leaned on faith and spirituality to fight it. “Faith, not fear, was my mantra during treatment because if you allow fear in, it takes you to a really dark place,” she says.

Many spiritually inclined patients find strength in their faith, mindfulness and meditation. Spiritual practice is undoubtedly comforting, but does it lead to better health outcomes?

Studies show it can.

Research shows spirituality improves cancer outcomes.

In a meta-analysis of studies on the effect of spirituality and religion on cancer outcomes, researchers found it improved overall physical health, functional well-being and physical symptoms.

The results underscore the importance of prioritizing spiritual care as a core element of care for a serious or life-threatening illness.

Smyth is anecdotal proof of how spirituality and religion provide strength to cancer patients. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2023 and told it was inoperable until she sought treatment at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System.

Throughout her cancer journey, she leaned on her strong faith. “Faith and positivity have such an instrumental role in your healing, your fighting, and your coping process –– not just in cancer, but in life,” she says.

Estelamari Rodriquez, M.D., a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester, sees many patients gather strength from their faith to deal with cancer, especially among the predominantly Hispanic, traditionally observant patient population she serves.

“Many patients tell me God put me in their way to help them. When faced with something so difficult, spirituality and faith can bring order to things,” she says.

The role of a chaplain in cancer care

Like care navigators and therapists who work alongside physicians and nurses, chaplains are critical to supporting patients through complex cancer diagnoses and treatment. Doctors and nurses at Sylvester regularly call on chaplains to help patients and families during difficult times.

“Cancer can destabilize you because you have no control over it. Faith helps people make sense of what’s happening and find comfort in ways doctors can’t,” says Dr. Rodriguez.

Chaplain Martin Powell, D.Min., director of spiritual care for UHealth, sees faith play an essential role in helping patients cope with pain, fear and the overall struggle that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Chaplains serve all faith traditions. “We’re not trying to persuade people to follow our belief system. We’re there to learn from patients’ experiences to help them find a connection with their faith that helps them navigate difficult times,” says Chaplain Powell.

Spiritual practices are as varied as those who find comfort in them.

Chaplains help facilitate religious practices like prayer, inspirational readings, or providing end-of-life spiritual care. They also guide patients through mindfulness exercises to decrease anxiety, fear, and even pain. Chaplain Powell recalls a claustrophobic patient who needed an MRI. Together, they discussed coping strategies like meditation and reciting a mantra. “Meditation is a spiritual practice across all faith systems, so we guide patients on how to use this tool,” he says.

In many cases, Chaplain Powell simply brings a listening ear and a calm mind to support patients. “Patients want to share their story, and sometimes doctors and nurses often don’t have that time, but I give ear to that story when I go sit with the patient for 30 minutes,” he says.

Chaplains are trained to allow patients to lead the direction of an encounter. For example, if a patient is dealing with fear or anxiety, Chaplain Powell will ask what has comforted them during other difficult times. “It could be simply bringing them a Bible, or it could be sitting in the room with them as they share their story of faith, hospitalizations, testing and helping them reconnect with the faith journey that brings them strength and confidence to go through the unknown,” he says.

Finding strength from mindfulness

Dr. Rodriguez has seen multiple patients garner strength from meditation and mindfulness retreats. Some have drawn strength from trips to weekend meditation retreats or even pilgrimages to Guadalupe or Lourdes. “Deep meditation and letting go of what they couldn’t control adds a new sense of energy. Spirituality centers you and helps you find peace, acceptance and the ability to move forward,” says Dr. Rodriguez.

Smyth turned to meditation to help her cope with her cancer treatment. She continues to use the Calm app to help keep her grounded. “Every day, the app reminds me to take a mindful moment. It’s helped me be present in the moment,” she says.

Whenever Smyth felt overwhelming fear during her cancer journey, she would lean on that skill of being mindful and in the moment. “None of us know when God will call us home, so you have to live every blessed moment we have in this lifetime to the fullest and have faith,” she says.

Talking about faith and mindfulness with a therapist

As a therapist for patients with cancer, Lara Traeger, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, says faith comes up often when discussing patients’ existential concerns like life, death and the search for meaning in a struggle. “We talk about losing a sense of meaning and connection, which is a big part of spirituality.”

Traeger’s goal is to normalize what patients are feeling and thinking. “When you’re questioning life, and you’re not used to that happening, it’s scary and uncomfortable,” she says.

When patients are open to seeking strength in spirituality and mindfulness, Traeger always encourages that journey. “Connecting with spirituality, whether formally or informally, can help patients with mood, fatigue and even symptom burden. It’s pretty powerful,” she says.

The power of a spiritual community

In many cases, faith also comes with a connection to a community. “Whether it’s family or a church community, it’s critical for patients to feel supported so they don’t feel alone in their journey,” says Chaplain Powell.

That can be easier said than done. A compromised immune system makes it harder to stay connected with people. Plus, it’s common to feel detached from those who might not understand what you’re going through. “The usual way of connecting with people is disrupted, so we look for practical ways to stay connected, like live streaming prayer services or finding different opportunities for meditation,” says Traeger.

Despite these challenges, both Traeger and Dr. Rodriguez hear from many patients about ways their spiritual community supports them. This can include anything from prayer services and visits to offering rides and cooking meals.

Dr. Rodriguez recalls a Jewish patient who was especially moved by a gratitude ceremony upon the completion of her cancer treatment, called birkat hagomel. “The whole congregation made a circle around her and celebrated her transition of going through something so difficult,” says Dr. Rodriguez.

Providers also fight cancer with faith

Patients aren’t the only ones drawing strength from faith and prayer during treatment. As a provider, Dr. Rodriguez also leans on her faith when treating patients. “It’s overwhelming for us as physicians when patients face difficult situations. Faith makes me feel like there’s a bigger plan, and I’m not making decisions alone,” she says.

Chaplain Powell is inspired daily by seeing patients face the unknown with faith. He’s learned from patients to be grateful and maintain hope. “I’ve learned not to become upset about things I can’t control but to hold on to what helps fortify my faith,” he says.

Practical tips for patients and supporters on finding strength from faith during cancer

1. Accept and sit with painful feelings

It’s normal to feel emotional pain, fear or grief during cancer treatment, says Traeger. Avoiding these feelings doesn’t make them disappear. Allow yourself to sit with difficult emotions while still engaging in activities that matter to you.

2. Explore faith-based and relaxation resources

Seek out free resources, such as YouTube sermons, meditation apps and relaxation exercises.

Experiment with different spiritual or mindfulness practices to find what resonates with you. Dr. Rodriguez has seen multiple patients return rejuvenated from weekend meditation retreats.

3. Push through negative thoughts

As hard as it is, Smyth recommends acknowledging worry and fear but then trying not to dwell on them. “Give yourself the grace to feel what you’re feeling, but then refocus on thoughts and actions that strengthen you,” she says.

4. Listen more than you speak

If you’re spending time with a friend or family member with cancer, avoid clichés that can be hurtful, such as “This is God’s plan” or “Everything happens for a reason.” These may not be comforting. Instead, says Chaplain Powell, be present and listen.

Wendy Margolin is a contributor for the University of Miami Health System.

Tags: Chaplain Martin Powell, Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, Emotional resilience, Faith-based support, Mind-body connectio, Spiritual healing, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center