Yoga for cancer patients and survivors.

TitleYoga for cancer patients and survivors.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsBower JE, Woolery A, Sternlieb B, Garet D
JournalCancer Control
Volume12
Issue3
Pagination165-71
Date Published2005 Jul
ISSN1073-2748
KeywordsAffect, Health Status, Humans, Neoplasms, Quality of Life, Sleep, Stress, Psychological, Survivors, Yoga
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years to improve physical and emotional well-being. Empirical research on yoga has been ongoing for several decades, including several recent studies conducted with cancer patients and survivors.

METHODS: This review provides a general introduction to yoga and a detailed review of yoga research in cancer.

RESULTS: Nine studies conducted with cancer patients and survivors yielded modest improvements in sleep quality, mood, stress, cancer-related distress, cancer-related symptoms, and overall quality of life. Studies conducted in other patient populations and healthy individuals have shown beneficial effects on psychological and somatic symptoms, as well as other aspects of physical function.

CONCLUSIONS: Results from the emerging literature on yoga and cancer provide preliminary support for the feasibility and efficacy of yoga interventions for cancer patients, although controlled trials are lacking. Further research is required to determine the reliability of these effects and to identify their underlying mechanisms.

Alternate JournalCancer Control
PubMed ID16062164