Encourage Breast Cancer Survivors to Practice Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed today with breast cancer have a higher chance of survival than those diagnosed in earlier decades. However, health concerns continue to plague survivors long after their treatments end. For instance, studies show that as many as 50% of breast cancer survivors suffer from depression. But now, a meditation technique can assist breast cancer survivors with improving their emotional and physical well-being, according to University of Missouri researchers in the Sinclair School of Nursing.

In a recent study, breast cancer survivors showed an improvement in health after they learned mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a type of mindfulness training that incorporates meditation, yoga, and physical awareness. The study, “Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Health Among Breast Cancer Survivors,” was conducted by Yaowarat Matchim, a former nursing doctoral student; Jane Armer, professor of nursing; and Bob Stewart, professor emeritus of education and adjunct faculty in nursing; it was published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research.

Over a period of 8 to 10 weeks, the MBSR program consists of group sessions in which patients practice meditation skills, discuss the body’s response to stress, and learn coping techniques. The researchers found benefits of the program included lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate among survivors. In addition, patients’ mood improved, and their level of mindfulness increased after completing the program. To maintain the positive effects, participants should continue MBSR after the class, Armer says. Furthermore, Armer says this nonpharmaceutical method works best as a complement to other treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

“MBSR is another tool to enhance the lives of breast cancer survivors,” Armer said. “Post diagnosis, breast cancer patients often feel like they have no control over their lives,” she added. “Knowing that they can control something – such as meditation – and that it will improve their health, gives them hope that life will be normal again.”

Source: University of Missouri.