Cancer and the Question of Faith

From cutting-edge science to deeply personal matters of faith, this latest seasonal issue of CURE provides a wide-ranging look at many facets of a cancer journey.

We recognize that cancer can raise profound spiritual and existential questions. This issue explores the relationship between cancer and faith as we hear from individuals who have found solace in their beliefs during challenging times and speak with experts about the impact that cancer can have on a person’s spiritual views.

“There was a study a few years ago, and I think they surveyed over 2,000 people, the majority of whom, 70%, said that their faith had gotten stronger as a result of their cancer diagnosis,” said Dr. John Peteet, a psychiatrist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana- Faber Cancer Institute in Boston. “Only about 17% said that they experienced a negative effect on their faith.”

We also look at the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Alecensa (alectinib) for patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, which followed the notable results of the phase 3 ALINA trial.

“The ALINA study, in my mind, is a landmark study ... because it shows that using the ALK inhibitor [Alecensa] for early-stage lung cancer after surgery increases the survival rate of patients as compared [with] chemotherapy,” said Upal Basu Roy, executive director of research for the LUNGevity Foundation.

Elsewhere in this issue, we delve into the latest research on cancer vaccines, and discuss the potential impact of these vaccines and how they might revolutionize cancer care in the years to come.

This issue spotlights the winners of the 2024 CURE poetry contest, which invited patients and survivors of cancer, as well as their caregivers, family and friends, to submit poems related to the disease. More than 100 entries were received, and the four winning poems are presented here.

Additionally, this issue celebrates the honorees of CURE Media Group’s 2024 Extraordinary Healer Award, which honors nurses in the cancer community.

Throughout these pages, you’ll find personal stories and expert insights. As always, we hope you find them inspirational and informative. Thank you for reading.

Mike Hennessy Jr.

President & CEO

MJH Life Sciences

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