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Find faith in breast cancer experience?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from barb: On diagnosis my friend turned to prayer which really angered her partner. I think it is nice to have someone to put your faith in (I know it is not a cure, but it helps to put perspective on things I think). How do I explain to him that she NEEDS to have faith to help her?
Answers —David Spiegel, Ph.D.: I think the issue is one really of mutual respect. Judge not that you be not judged. And I would not begrudge someone who is facing a life threatening situation to see if their faith provides comfort for them. You don't have to agree to share the same faith but it is important to be respectful of one another's approaches to very difficult problems.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: No one likes to be told what to do or who to believe in. Respecting the autonomy and the strength of the person who is dealing with a breast cancer is very, very important. And I think that's where the faith should start.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2000, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Feelings about Breast Cancer. David Spiegel, Ph.D. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the emotional effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

David Spiegel, Ph.D.David Spiegel, Ph.D. is professor and associate chairman of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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