After a cancer diagnosis, many turn to their faith for answers. In fact, the 2014 Cancer Experience: A National Study of Patients and Caregivers found that nearly 80 percent of African American cancer patients are driven by faith and spirituality while enduring treatment. This statistic clearly shows the need for health care providers to offer and encourage faith-based support to help treat the whole person – physically, mentally and spiritually.
Jacqueline Griffin, who has a Master of Arts in Theology and is a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC), is also a chaplain for the Pastoral Care program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Western Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Az. In her work, she finds that recently diagnosed patients may ask themselves, “What did I do wrong to deserve this?” “Where’s God in this?,” or “why must I suffer with this disease?”
“It is normal for people to turn to their faith with tough questions when facing a crisis like a cancer diagnosis,” says Griffin. “That’s why it’s so important for cancer care providers to acknowledge the significance of providing spiritual support during these transformational moments.”
Griffin, along with other members of the CTCA® Pastoral Care programs, are focused on creating a safe space for open communication where those living with cancer can talk through and affirm their feelings about the disease, discuss their fears, and learn how to lean on their spirituality throughout their cancer journey. To meet the needs of the whole person, Pastoral Care is built in as a core function of the broader clinical care team at CTCA. And in order to provide support for every person in need, pastoral services are offered immediately to anyone seeking them. While the pastoral program is rooted in the Christian faith, the team also works to connect non-Christian patients to local priests, rabbis, imams or other spiritual leaders.
To provide additional support, Pastoral Care also offers a Forgiveness Class for patients who struggle with forgiving themselves, others, or at times – God. This group is designed to help those with cancer explore the healing powers of forgiveness and overcome past issues. “Forgiveness of oneself or others can be a difficult process, but the peace and closure that accompany forgiveness can be an important part of the spiritual and emotional healing process and allow the person to focus on physically getting well,” says Griffin.
Many people with cancer will turn to their own church or community organizations for help, but if their care team places an emphasis on spiritual support as a valuable part of the treatment plan, patients will be better equipped to cope with the psychological and emotional effects of cancer. Pastoral care recognizes the importance of patients’ faith community and the role that community plays in helping navigate through their journey. To address this need in the community, CTCA sponsors a Cancer Care Leadership Training called Our Journey of Hope lead by the Pastoral Care team. Our Journey of Hope equips church leadership with tools to support members of their congregation who may also be cancer patients.
Griffin’s work also extends beyond spiritual guidance. She helps to lead non-faith based patient and caregiver support groups that serve as an open community for storytelling. She also provides one-on-one counseling sessions to talk through sensitive topics such as grief and loss, education on advanced directives, meaning and purpose as it pertains to legacy and faith, and fear of the unknown.
“Spirituality is key and at the core of all beliefs and can help people cope and deal with life’s experiences,” says Griffin. “At CTCA we walk along side patients throughout their journey and experiences to encourage them to connect or stay connected to their faith for the purpose of having strength for the journey.
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