Vaginal Cancer Treatments – Spiritual Support

Spiritual Support for Vaginal Cancer

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we address how the cancer experience affects people on all levels—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. We understand spiritual care can play an integral role in the treatment process for many vaginal cancer patients.

Research has suggested an interconnected nature between spirituality and healing, pointing to striking correlations between spiritual wellness, and physical and mental wellness. Spirituality may also help mitigate symptoms commonly associated with a vaginal cancer diagnosis, such as depression, fear and anxiety.

At CTCA, spiritual support is just one of the complementary medicine options we offer alongside your conventional vaginal cancer treatments. Here, we also recognize that spiritual and religious beliefs differ among patients. Our hospitals provide an uplifting, supportive and hopeful environment where you and your family can feel at home to explore your faith, no matter what your religious beliefs.

Foundational aspects of spirituality include prayer, reading and contemplation, a sense of closeness to a higher being, a sense of meaning in life, interactions with others, and other experiences that reflect spiritual interaction or awareness.

The pastoral care team at CTCA provides you and your loved ones with the opportunity to explore the spiritual component in your vaginal cancer care through a variety of programs and services, including the following:

• New patient orientation
• Individual and group prayer
• Prayer chains facilitated by hospital staff
• Counseling by a faith representative of your choice
• Weekly interfaith worship services
• Patient support groups that focus on healing, faith and life
• Family consultations
• Interface and communication with your local pastor and church
• Telephone consultations with patients and/or family members

Spiritual Assessment

Upon your request, a member of our pastoral care staff will personally visit you within the first 48 hours of your initial admission for vaginal cancer treatment. The purpose of this visit is to develop a relationship and rapport with you (and your family as appropriate) so we understand your unique spiritual needs and concerns.

All spiritual assessments are person-centered, respecting your religion, culture and age. Ongoing assessment of your spiritual needs during your vaginal cancer treatment is driven by your and/or family members’ willingness to talk and share.

Spiritual Care

New vaginal cancer patients (first time admissions) at CTCA can also take part in a voluntary group orientation session, which reviews the role of spiritual care. Based on your choices and identified needs, our pastoral care team will work with you to develop a personalized spiritual care plan, which will be part of your overall vaginal cancer treatment plan.

Spiritual care at CTCA is divided into three main categories:

1. Assessment: This consists of an initial assessment of your physical health and medical needs at the beginning of your vaginal cancer treatment. Throughout your care, our chaplains will interact regularly with you and other members of your care team to find ways to support you.
2. Direct Care: Our chaplains are available for visitation, counsel, prayer, and patient rights issues. They can help you work through such issues as life values, suffering, healing, grief/loss, despair/hope, guilt/forgiveness, fear/peace, and anger/acceptance.
3. Extended Care: After your vaginal cancer treatment is complete, we will continue to provide spiritual support by phone and through our spiritual outreach program and website, Our Journey of Hope^SM.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America serves a significant population of non-local vaginal cancer patients. As a result, your CTCA chaplain becomes your primary spiritual care provider during the in-patient treatment period. Their goal is to develop and maintain a relationship with you based on trust and rapport.

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