title: Spirituality in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: A Review of Literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Spirituality and religion have been found to have a positive impact on adults with cancer, but these concepts have not been well examined in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. AYA often question and struggle with their religious and spiritual beliefs, so it is not clear if spirituality and religion have the same positive impact on this age group. The purpose of this review of literature was to examine the research that has been conducted in spirituality in AYA with cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  The review covered the years from 1980 to present. The terms cancer, adolescents, and young adults as well as the phrases spirit* and relig* were used to capture the different variations of words. Nine articles were found that explored spirituality and religiosity in AYA with cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review highlighted the need for clarifying the terms used in describing the concept. This lack of continuity in terms makes it difficult to compare the studies. The methods used to measure spirituality are varied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pediatric oncology nurses need to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of their patients. This can be accomplished by keeping an open line of communication and ensuring uninterrupted time to pray or read scriptures. Because of the variety of ways to express spirituality, the important first step is to ask what spirituality means to them.
authors: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA sbmcneil@bluefirebird.com.
authors: Sharon B
authors: SB
authors: McNeil
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D060685:Sense of Coherence; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adolescents and young adults; cancer; religion; spirituality