Global Perspectives in Cancer Care. Religion, Spirituality, and Cultural Diversity in Health and Healing

Abstract

Although survival rates for pediatric cancer have improved significantly over the past few decades, the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer is still challenging. Childhood cancer has been described as a -family disease-, affecting the entire family and all those in the child’s close environment, including their friends in school. The care of a child with cancer must be family-centered, and consideration of the family’s cultural background is of the utmost importance. Families of children with cancer struggle with an acute life-altering disease as well as with possible long-term chronic complications. The cultural background of the family influences the treatment and follow-up for pediatric cancer patients. Influential cultural factors include: socioeconomic status, education, traditions, religion, and other moral values.