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Reflections: Spirituality and Cancer Researchers

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Abstract

Spirituality is increasingly acknowledged as an essential element to consider within care for cancer and other chronic health conditions. As our colleagues in frontline healthcare roles integrate these concepts into their professional practice, it seems timely for the cancer research community to reflect on the place of spirituality within our work. This reflections article discusses challenges and opportunities for researchers considering spirituality in their own work roles and within broader discussions about health needs, care and research agendas.

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Acknowledgments

The Cancer Society Social and Behavioural Research Unit receives support from the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the University of Otago. The authors would like to acknowledge the many colleagues who have helped us reflect on and connect with the meaning and purpose in our work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Society Social and Behavioural Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand

    Rosalina Richards & Richard Egan

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  1. Rosalina Richards
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  2. Richard Egan
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Correspondence to Rosalina Richards.

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Richards, R., Egan, R. Reflections: Spirituality and Cancer Researchers. J Canc Educ 33, 245–247 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-016-1072-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-016-1072-8

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