Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that conversations about religion and spirituality during radiation therapy helped manage stress symptoms caused by gynecologic cancers, in collaboration with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The research team used the FICA Spiritual History Tool — faith, importance, community and addressing spiritual needs — to explore how belief systems affect patient experience.

• Representatives from Mount Sinai Health System and NYU interviewed 11 women from various faiths, including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish.
• These women had received external beam radiation therapy for gynecological malignancies.
• On average, 9.5 out of 11 questions were thought to be helpful by participants when asked.

The study was published in Practical Radiation Oncology.

more

Washington Square News — 2025-10-30