Health Care Chaplaincy in Oncology

Tremendous strides are being made in the medical field in the treatment of cancer. However, excellence in cancer care requires attention not just to physical symptoms, but to the whole person within the context of his or her larger system. This book addresses some of the great variety of issues facing chaplains and others concerned about the spiritual care of patients who work with those who live with cancer. Health Care Chaplaincy in Oncology, divided into four sections, covers important topics that help spiritual caregivers become more effective in their ministering to cancer patients. The first section provides a clear, concise introduction to cancer risk and survival and a first-hand account of the experience of cancer by a member of the College of Chaplains. Chapters in the second section reflect on the roles of spiritual counselors, shedding light on the special identity and calling of pastoral care providers and their relationship with God in the midst of work with oncology patients. The next section explores the systems approach, viewing the whole family, not just the individual with cancer, as the patient. This section also relates one chaplain's experience with a particular family and the chaplain/family/patient relationship that evolved. The final section discusses such special issues as specific techniques chaplains may use to promote wellness among cancer patients, special characteristics of caring when a patient is at the end of his or her days, and a practical model for training local clergy to minister more effectively with people who have cancer.This book is an ideal ancillary reader for courses on subjects such as pastoral care, hospital ministry, and clinical pastoral education. Chaplains, chaplains-in-training, clinical pastoral education students, and graduate students in social work and counseling education, will find Health Care Chaplaincy in Oncology an extremely helpful guide to increase the quality of the support and care they give when working with individuals with cancer.