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Journal of Religion and Health
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 6/2017

01-12-2017 | Impressionistic Reporting

Cancer-Induced Bone Pain Management Through Buddhist Beliefs

Author: Fung Kei Cheng

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 6/2017

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Abstract

Dealing with physical pain represents a huge public health expenditure, especially for cancer-induced bone pain, one of the most difficult health issues, which impairs appetite, sleep, and mobility, negatively impacting quality of life and evoking mental problems. Although some literature has reported positive correlation between religion and pain management, there is a dearth of research examining the effectiveness of Buddhism on this topic. This study investigates the usefulness of Buddhist beliefs in managing cancer-induced bone pain through a case example. It illustrates how an advanced cancer patient, with the assistance of a counsellor, perceived pain and coped with it and pain-induced mental problems via Buddhist teachings and practices, including the four noble truths, the law of dependent origination, and karma. It offers alternative perspectives for helping professionals (such as physicians, nurses, counsellors, social workers, hospice and palliative service providers, and pain management practitioners) who are keen to equip themselves with a wider worldview and life view to better serve their clients.
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Metadata
Title
Cancer-Induced Bone Pain Management Through Buddhist Beliefs
Author
Fung Kei Cheng
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0401-5

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