Intercessory Prayer as an Intervention in Oncology Care: Impacts on Anxiety and Spiritual-Religious Coping in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

The journey of women facing breast cancer during chemotherapy is often marked by high levels of anxiety and significant emotional challenges. In addition to the physical demands imposed by the disease and its treatment, the psychological impact can undermine quality of life and well-being. Studies suggest that complementary interventions, such as spirituality and religiosity practices, may play a key role in coping with these difficulties, promoting emotional comfort and resilience. However, the scientific foundations supporting such practices remain limited and often debated.

Among spiritual interventions, intercessory prayer — when others pray on behalf of someone — emerges as an approach of growing interest. Studies point to its potential benefits in reducing anxiety, strengthening faith, and improving spiritual-religious coping. However, the application of intercessory prayer in the oncological context still lacks a robust and systematic analysis that clarifies its specific impact on women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

At the same time, anxiety related to breast cancer and stress associated with treatment can compromise therapeutic adherence, the perception of social support, and overall clinical outcomes. In this scenario, spiritual-religious coping emerges as a mediator, helping patients find meaning and hope amid suffering. The interaction between intercessory prayer and spiritual-religious coping, however, remains a little-explored field in the scientific literature, requiring further attention.

This study aims to analyze the scientific evidence on the use of intercessory prayer in anxiety and/or spiritual-religious coping among women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.