Yoga May Help Breast Cancer Survivors

Standard breast cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can have severe side effects. During and after cancer treatments patients often experience persistent fatigue and sleep problems that affect quality of life. Many women may also suffer from depression, anxiety and weight loss.

There are few treatments available to truly relieve these problems. Traditional care usually includes antidepressants and sleep meds that can have adverse side effects. Studies show that supportive therapies such as stress reduction and exercise classes can benefit cancer patients.

Current research reports that yoga practice can improve quality of life in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Yoga may also help promote sleep, boost energy and improve mental health.

Yoga Improves Sleep and Fatigue

A 2010 randomized controlled study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found yoga improved sleep problems and fatigue. About 75 percent of the patients were breast cancer survivors. All of the cancer patients suffered from sleep disruption for 2 to 24 months.

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center administered either a yoga program (yoga group) or standard care (control group) to 410 cancer survivors for four weeks. Sleep quality, fatigue and quality of life were assessed before and after the study.

The yoga group participated in 75-minute yoga sessions two times per week. The yoga program, called YOCAS (Yoga for Cancer Survivors), included gentle hatha yoga and restorative yoga poses, breathing and meditation. Certified yoga teachers trained in the YOCAS program conducted the classes.

The researchers found that the yoga participants had significantly reduced fatigue and improved sleep quality compared to the control group. Furthermore, the yoga group used less sleep medication while the control group increased sleep meds.

"This is great news for cancer survivors who deal with persistent and debilitating side effects from their cancer and its treatments long after their primary therapy ends," said lead investigator Karen Mustian, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at the university of Rochester Medical Center, in a news release. "There are few treatments for the sleep problems and fatigue survivors experience that work for very long, if at all."

Yoga Benefits Quality of Life

A 2011 study presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology reports yoga improved quality of life and lowered stress in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. This is the first study to compare yoga benefits to simple stretching exercises in cancer patients.

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center administered yoga, simple stretching or no yoga or stretching instruction to 163 women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Quality of life assessments including fatigue, daily functioning, depression and spirituality were obtained from the participants. Saliva samples and electrocardiogram tests were obtained before and after treatment.

The yoga and stretching groups participated in one-hour sessions three times per week during their six-week radiation treatment. The yoga program was conducted in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana research institute in India. The yoga classes included yoga postures, breathing, meditation and relaxation.

The researchers found that both yoga and stretching reduced fatigue. Furthermore, the yoga group had greater benefits to quality of life and lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels than either the stretching or non-exercise group.

"The combination of mind and body practices that are part of yoga clearly have tremendous potential to help patients manage the psychosocial and physical distress associated with treatment and life after cancer, beyond the benefits of simple stretching," says lead researcher Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson.

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Elaine Gavalas is an exercise physiologist, yoga therapist, weight management specialist, nutritionist and healthy recipe developer.

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Comments

[rlipmanstudios]

12:38 AM on 06/22/2012

I finished treatment for BC in Sept. (lumpectomy, chemo,rads) and I tried yoga, and although I thought it was gentle and I didn't push it I ended up with a severe strain and pain in the ribs which lasted for months. I do advocate mediation and reading buddhism books for destressing; I felt great after the yoga until the pain set in. Frankly, walking is still the best exercise (or swimming although chlorine during treatment is not advised). Exercise 150 mins. a week reduces risk of recurrance 37% but yoga is not included in that. I think it means aerobic. And I still have numbness under the arm so it's probably best to go to a special yoga class for BC patients..not regular classes.

[pokerstarz]

09:17 PM on 06/19/2012

I am going to be the lone voice here...........but these "studies" that predict your risks of breast cancer are nothing more than headline grabbing articles. All women are at risk regardless of what they eat or drink, their diet of meat vs non meat, etc. Be your own advocate and do not be lulled into thinking you are safe. No woman is safe from this disease.

[DCNative55]

04:58 PM on 06/20/2012

This article had nothing to do with risk reduction measures - it simply reported a on study that found that yoga may help the quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing treatment by diminishing some of the side effects.

[maxmorf2012]

05:07 PM on 06/19/2012

This is interesting as at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore they offer the BE WELL, STAY HEALTHY program for breast cancer survivors and I know yoga is part of the offerings of the program. Nationally noted cancer researcher and epidemiologist Dr. Kathy Helzlsouer directs the program at Mercy and has done research re: ways to combat chronic debilitative fatigue suffered by cancer survivors, particularly breast cancer survivors. So interesting to see additional information about the positive role of yoga in helping such patients.

[DCNative55]

02:28 PM on 06/19/2012

Breast cancer survivors who have had one or more lymph nodes removed should approach yoga carefully, and avoid positions like downward dog that put excessive strain on the arms. Removal of any nodes puts the survivor at risk for lymphedema, a chronic incurable condition that causes swelling of the arm and trunk, and can lead to serious conditions like cellulitis. I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor who has taken yoga classes since I was diagnosed - I agree that it has fabulous benefits, but I avoid poses that increase my risk of a lymphedema flare. Any competent instructor should be able to guide a survivor in the class to alternate moves. Gentle and restorative yoga classes are particular appropriate for breast cancer survivors who have had lymph nodes removed.

[Wok Toss]

09:19 AM on 06/19/2012

Here is a great 30-minute video lecture on nutrition and cancer prevention (particularly breast cancer):

http://woktoss.com/?p=12401

[Nancy Alder]

08:52 PM on 06/18/2012

Thanks for this post... one of my regular yoga students was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Can't wait to share with her this evidence that what she loves will also help her heal.