The Impact of Religiousness and Spirituality on the Quality of Life of Patients With Cancer

Vasilaki Christina; Tsoukalas Nicolaos; Margari Nikoletta; Adamakidou Theodoula; Dokoutsidou Eleni

doi:10.2478/fco-2024-0027

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The Impact of Religiousness and Spirituality on the Quality of Life of Patients With Cancer

Forum of Clinical Oncology

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By: Vasilaki Christina, Tsoukalas Nicolaos, Margari Nikoletta, Adamakidou Theodoula and Dokoutsidou Eleni

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and quality of life in patients with cancer.

Methodology

The research is based on an extensive systematic review of scientific studies available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases (2020–2024), following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Out of 14,285 studies, 13 were selected, including 3,535 patients, ensuring reliable findings.

Results

The findings showed that patients with high levels of spirituality and religiosity experienced reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, greater adherence to their treatments, and an overall better quality of life.

Conclusions

The integration of spiritual care into palliative treatments can play a crucial role in improving the mental health and overall quality of life of cancer patients.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fco-2024-0027 | Journal eISSN: 1792-362X | Journal ISSN: 1792-345X

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Language: English

Submitted on: Apr 7, 2025

Accepted on: Jun 26, 2025

Published on: Jul 8, 2026

Published by: Helenic Society of Medical Oncology

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Cancer,

Related subjects:

Haematology, oncology

© 2026 Vasilaki Christina, Tsoukalas Nicolaos, Margari Nikoletta, Adamakidou Theodoula, Dokoutsidou Eleni, published by Helenic Society of Medical Oncology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

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