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Blog | Cancer Coaching Reflections & Resources
When someone is diagnosed with cancer...
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, the focus often turns to scans, lab results, and treatment plans. These are essential—but they’re not the whole picture. After more than 20 years supporting patients and families through cancer in hospitals and at home, I’ve come to believe that healing isn't just about the body. It’s also about the heart, the mind, and the spirit.
At Present Help, my work is deeply rooted in what’s known as the Medicine of the Person philosophy—a patient-centered approach that values each person's story, relationships, and inner life as part of their care. And for many, faith is an inseparable part of that story.
Faith and the Healing Process
Faith isn’t about denying the hardship of illness. It’s about finding something deeper to hold onto when things feel uncertain.
One of the earliest images of healing in scripture comes from the story of Moses in the wilderness. When the Israelites were afflicted by poisonous serpents, God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole. Those who looked upon it were healed (Numbers 21:8–9).
Centuries later, this image was echoed by Jesus, who said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14). The serpent on the pole became a symbol not only of physical healing, but of hope, faith, and the possibility of life restored.
For me, this story is a reminder that healing often begins not only with medicine, but also with where we turn our gaze. When people face cancer, the natural pull is toward scans, results, and treatments—all important and necessary. But just as the Israelites looked up in faith, healing today also invites us to lift our eyes beyond fear, toward meaning, connection, and hope.
Research consistently shows that people with spiritual practices—whether prayer, reflection, or community worship—experience a range of health benefits:
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Less anxiety and depression
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Improved quality of life
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Lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health
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Greater resilience in the face of illness
In fact, a study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine showed that singing—common in many religious services—can improve vascular function and heart rate, especially for those with cardiovascular risk. Another study found that clapping, especially as part of joyful movement or worship, stimulates acupressure points in the hands and may support healthy blood pressure and circulation.
These findings echo what I've seen personally: people who draw on their faith often face cancer not with fear alone, but with remarkable courage, purpose, and peace.
Medicine of the Person: Honoring the Whole Self
This approach, developed by Swiss physician Paul Tournier, reminds us that people are more than their diagnosis. Illness affects identity, relationships, and meaning. Healing, then, must reach beyond the physical to address the whole self. This doesn’t mean choosing faith over medicine—it means allowing them to work together.
Tournier often described faith and medicine as like two hands: one representing medical knowledge and skill, the other representing spiritual life and personal meaning. He believed these hands are best joined through prayer—acknowledging both human effort and divine presence. For me, that image captures what whole-person care looks like: medicine and faith, working side by side, united in compassion.
As a cancer coach, I listen to each person’s values and spiritual background. Some clients want to pray before appointments. Others want to reflect on what this chapter of life means. Others simply want someone to sit with them in silence, without judgment or pressure. All of it is welcome.
A Present Help in Time of Need
The name Present Help comes from a scripture close to my heart:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Whether you consider yourself religious or spiritual—or are still figuring that out—know that healing can begin the moment we feel seen, heard, and supported. My goal is to provide not just guidance, but presence—a steady companion in uncertain times.
Final Thoughts
Faith can be a powerful part of healing—but it's deeply personal. I meet each client wherever they are, honoring their beliefs and needs. If you or someone you love is navigating cancer and seeking support that includes the body, mind, and spirit, I'm here.
A Note on Writing
This reflection was crafted with the assistance of AI, then carefully reviewed, edited, and personalized to reflect my voice and experience. My intent in using this tool is not to replace the human touch, but to strengthen it—allowing me to bring together research, scripture, and lived experience in a way that is both thoughtful and accessible.
With you on your journey,
June Ng-A-Kein Founder, Present Help by June
June Ng-A-Kein
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