Changes in spirituality and quality of life in patients undergoing radiation therapy.

PURPOSE Investigations into the role of spirituality in cancer confirm the association of good spiritual well-being with many positive outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate potential changes in spirituality over the course of radiation therapy (RT). PATIENTS AND MATERIALS The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual questionnaire measuring spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) was administered to adult patients undergoing RT. Scores were compared using student t tests and chi-square analysis. RESULTS Despite statistically significant declines in QOL measures such as physical well-being (P < .001) and overall well-being (P < .001), no significant changes were noted in spirituality for all comers. A significant increase in the Sp-12 spirituality measure (P = .001) was noted in patients with breast cancer, independent of age, gender, and purpose of treatment. Sp-12 scores were positively correlated with overall QOL scores (P < .001).