Religious/Spiritual Needs and Psychosocial Burden of Melanoma Patients

Introduction Questions of meaning and purpose in life are becoming relevant during cancer. Studies have shown that most patients have spiritual needs and that religion/spirituality can be an important ressource in coping with illness. So far, only few studies examine the psychosocial burden and the role of spiritual needs during the treatment process of patients with malignant melanoma. Method 22 patients were included in this study and assessed for psychosocial distress and spiritual needs while being screened for cancer metastases (t1) and 8 weeks later (t2). Distress, anxiety and depression, furthermore spiritual needs and religiousness were examined with standardized assessments (HSI, DT, HADS, PHQ-2, SpNQ, SpREUK). Results All patients express spiritual needs independent of the time of measurement and overall burden. Important needs are the need to be complete and safe, the need for social support, for actively giving and for inner peace and the possibility to talk about anxiety and sorrow. Analyses have shown that religious patients are less distressed 8 weeks later, while there was no difference in the first time of measurement. Discussion The results show the importance to include spiritual needs in the process of treatment of cancer in a clinical and ambulatory context. Results indicate that religion/spirituality could be an important resource to cope with cancer. Conclusion During the process of treatment, spiritual needs could be addressed by psychooncology and pastoral care with respect for their different approach and address this topic to support cancer patients.