Cancer Treatment Centers of America to host cancer ministry seminar
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Tulsa, Okla. – Experts predict that the number of Americans diagnosed with cancer each year will double by 2050. Today, about 1.3 million people annually receive a cancer diagnosis. By mid-century that number could increase to 2.6 million annually.
Because cancer afflicts so many, and impacts every aspect of a patient's life – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – Our Journey of Hope® (OJOH), the spiritual outreach program of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), is inviting churches to participate in a unique opportunity: a one-day, free seminar, called Building an Effective Cancer Ministry, on April 24, 2010, at CTCA Tulsa. Approximately 200 ministers and community leaders from across the country are expected to attend.
"Spiritual care should be constant and, therefore, extend beyond our hospital doors," said Lyn Thompson, spiritual outreach coordinator at CTCA Tulsa. "We hope this seminar will empower and equip people nationwide to join with CTCA to support cancer patients and their families who live and work in their own communities."
The seminar will feature nationally known speakers, including Dave Dravecky, a former all-star major league pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. After he was diagnosed with cancer, resulting in the amputation of his left arm, Dravecky and his wife, Jan, founded Outreach of Hope Ministries.
Dr. Harold Koenig, author of "The Healing Connection" and co-director for Duke University's Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, also will speak. Other speakers include cancer survivor Ken Curtis, an ordained minister and award-winning video producer of a film series for cancer patients and their families based on familiar Biblical texts; John Thomas, a Christian counselor and author on the topic of suffering and faith; and Phyllis Jessey, a caregiver for a spouse with cancer and co-founder of the All Ribbon Group, a non-profit organization that empowers communities to support individuals with cancer.
According to a 2007 Journal of Clinical Oncology study, cancer patients experience higher quality of life when their spiritual needs are met. However, many patients say their spiritual needs are not supported by their medical providers or their religious communities. This spiritual component of care is an essential part of the CTCA patient care model. Based on research that shows spirituality and religion play a vital role in helping people cope with cancer, the hospital's Pastoral Care department offers spiritual support, such as prayer, counsel, worship services and educational classes, to patients and their caregivers.
"When a person receives a cancer diagnosis, it affects every aspect of their being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. That's why CTCA treats each of these components," said Steve Mackin, CTCA president and CEO in Tulsa.
"Research tells us that when people are cared for body, mind and spirit, they are better equipped, empowered and strengthened to fight life-threatening diseases, including cancer," added Rev. Michael Langham, director pastoral care at CTCA in Tulsa.
"The Healing Connection: The Story of a Physician's Search for the Link Between Faith and Healing" by medical researcher and cancer survivor Dr. Harold Koenig summarizes hundreds of studies that document the many health benefits experienced by spiritual individuals over less religious people, including stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, significantly better health outcomes after physical illness and a lower likelihood for depression during and after hospitalization.
Spiritual support also is important for family members and caregivers of cancer patients, added Rev. Langham. Research shows patients appear to do best when their caregiver's needs are met, allowing them to maintain a reasonably high quality of life.
Our Journey of Hope® (OJOH) allows CTCA to take the insight gained from caring for the spiritual needs of cancer patients and their families over the past 20 years and share it with churches and congregations throughout the country. "We hope by doing this we can equip the religious community to be even more effective in the spiritual care they provide to cancer patients and their families," Thompson added.
For more information about the Building an Effective Cancer Ministry seminar, call Lyn Thompson at (918) 286-5235.
Visit www.ourjourneyofhope.com to learn more about spiritual support resources for cancer patients and their families. Visit www.hopenavigators.com to learn how you can join with CTCA to provide important spiritual support for cancer patients and caregivers in your community.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with complex cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. Known for delivering the Mother Standard® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine®, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and their treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com.
