Why do religious people say they'll pray for people with cancer and other diseases?

God doesn't give people those diseases. Whether you believe in it or not, the bible is clear, Jesus was casting out demons, unclean spirits, spirits of affliction and infirmity.

So let's stick to the record, shall we?

Also, the bible says the prayer of faith will heal the afflicted, and I have personally seen such miracles take place, and I have personally been the recipient of more than one miraculous healing. The scientific community always has an explanation though, of how against all astronomical odds, this one person's body was able to heal itself overnight. Of course there are also medical doctors who believe in miracles.

... because they have been raised to think that prayer works. Indoctrination works like that, it's really not a rational thing, the entire normative basis of their childhood was centred around huge dollops of nonsense and it's difficult for them (or anyone else for that matter) to logically attack pre-logical mind programming. Hence it tends to survive robustly into maturity.

Feh. After praying religious people always seem to end up at the Hospital anyways - so I really don't see the point in it.

Because it is a way to make yourself feel like you've done something without actually putting in any effort.

Because faith is a strong medicine. If you have faith in yourself and others, and show it to all it improves all situations,your angst aside

I'd rather stem cell research, at least that will ultimately get us somewhere.

With God's help we are capable of anything he wants us to be capable of!

Because with the power of Jesus, anything is possible. Even curing cancer.

Its funny when i dont answer their prayers, but when one patient survives by my grace (but indiscernible from the science-man's effort) they thank me. Aint I lovin?

Groovin says it all. You donate first.