Importance of spirituality in the treatment of children with cancer

Authors

Abstract

A cancer diagnosis affects multiple dimensions of life, including the spiritual dimension, which can
provide emotional and social support, hope, and relief from pain. This integrative review aimed to
analyze the scientific literature on the importance of spirituality in the treatment of children with
cancer. The findings highlight that spirituality contributes to overall well-being, hope, symptom relief,
and quality of life, and can be fostered through interventions such as prayer and playful activities.
Despite its relevance, spirituality is still underexplored in pediatric oncology. Therefore, the results of this
review may support healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care to children with cancer.

Keywords:

Child. Neoplasms. Spirituality.

Author Biographies

Iana Sâmella Alcântara de Lima, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Iana Sâmella Alcântara de Lima – Enfermeira – enf.ianasamella@gmail.com
0000-0002-5609-4451

Anna Rosa E Souza Occhiuzzo, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Anna Rosa Souza Occhiuzzo – Doutora – areso@academico.ufpb.br
0000-0002-9758-3403

Cíntia Bezerra Almeida Costa , Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Cintia Costa – Doutora – cintia.costa@academico.ufpb.br
0000-0002-1179-5852

Thainá Karoline Costa Macêdo, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Thainá Karoline Costa Dias – Doutora – thaiinakaroline@gmail.com
0000-0002-7265-1350

Gabriela Gomes, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Gabriela Gomes – Doutora – gabriela.lisieux@academico.ufpb.br
0000-0002-7032-2035

Semirames Ramos , Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Semirames Ramos – Doutora – semirames.souza@academico.ufpb.br
0000-0001-8370-5994

Ana Paula Silva Melo, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Ana Paula Silva Melo – Enfermeira – anapaulasmeloo@gmail.com
0009-0004-8841-6672

Jael Rubia Figueiredo de Sá França, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa/PB, Brasil.

Jael Rubia Figueiredo de Sá França – Doutora – jael.rubia@academico.ufpb.br
0000-0002-9968-5366

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-07-27

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264126PT

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How to Cite

1.
Alcântara de Lima IS, E Souza Occhiuzzo AR, Bezerra Almeida Costa C, Costa Macêdo TK, Gomes G, Ramos S, et al. Importance of spirituality in the treatment of children with cancer. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 27 [cited 2026 Aug. 25];34. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4126

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