Spiritualität in der onkologie

Abstract

This article discusses the role of spirituality in cancer patients. Spirituality is more than just a new way of thinking which includes mystic traditions and eastern philosophy. Spirituality means an essential and timeless dimension of personhood. It cannot extend life or heal cancer, but it can improve quality of life and one's condition. Many complementary and alternative therapies include more or less spiritual aspects, although only little evidence on their effect is so far available. Spirituality should be considered in oncology and cannot be categorically discarded. © 2007 Springer Medizin Verlag.