Many cancer survivors face ongoing physical and emotional challenges after treatment. A recent clinical trial suggests that yoga could offer significant relief. This study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, highlights how yoga may reduce insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances. These symptoms can make daily activities difficult for survivors.
The National Cancer Institute funded the study, which involved 204 cancer survivors undergoing standard care alone and 206 survivors combining standard care with the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program. Most participants were female breast-cancer survivors.
YOCAS is a four-week program incorporating two types of yoga: hatha and restorative. These forms involve slow, gentle movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Participants practiced yoga for 180 minutes weekly across three sessions.
Upon completing the trial, those in the YOCAS group experienced improvements in mood, anxiety, and fatigue, unlike the standard care group. Researchers noted that yoga-induced improvements in insomnia might be linked to changes in mood and fatigue.
Dr. Fumiko Chino from MD Anderson Cancer Center described this as an important advance offering non-pharmaceutical options to manage several side effects simultaneously.
Timothy Pearman, Ph.D., director of supportive oncology at Northwestern University, spoke to Fox News Digital about the study. He emphasized yoga’s effectiveness in managing cancer-related fatigue and mood disturbances, noting its validation through research.
Pearman mentioned the increasing availability of cancer-specific yoga teacher training nationwide. Yoga’s modifiable nature allows participation even with physical impairments, requiring only a mat and guidance.
In addition to anxiety and fatigue, yoga can address osteoporosis, cardiac risks, and balance issues related to treatment. Participants reported reduced anxiety and fatigue from attending three weekly yoga sessions over four weeks.
Shari Botwin, a thyroid-cancer survivor and licensed clinical social worker, found yoga transformative in her recovery from trauma. She observed emotional challenges like depression and survivor’s guilt among cancer survivors she worked with.
Botwin highlighted how yoga provides a supportive environment, fostering self-compassion over shame. Its community aspect helps survivors of body changes find peer understanding.
Pearman noted almost any exercise benefits cancer survivors, advising patients to pursue activities they previously enjoyed. Free yoga classes for cancer survivors are widely available through non-profit organizations.
Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.
Leave a Reply