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Faith Tied To Aggressive Treatment For Illness

People who rely on religion to cope with the shock of a terminal illness appear more likely to seek aggressive and costly treatment to prolong their lives.

That's the conclusion of a new study of terminal cancer patients by researchers at the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. The study also shows those patients usually receive that care, even if it lowers their quality of life.

Holly Prigerson, the study's senior author, reviewed her findings with WBUR's Bob Oakes. They also spoke with Rev. Edward Vacek, a Professor of Moral Theology at Boston College.

This program aired on March 18, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.

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