Surviving cancer can offer a renewed outlook on life, yet many continue to face lingering physical and emotional challenges. Yoga may provide significant relief from insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances often experienced by cancer survivors, according to a recent clinical trial.
Common Post-Cancer Struggles
Mood disturbances and insomnia are two prevalent side effects for cancer survivors post-treatment. These issues significantly affect their ability to perform daily activities, as reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Yoga Clinical Trial Findings
A study funded by the National Cancer Institute compared two groups of cancer survivors. One group of 204 survivors received standard care, while another group of 206 engaged in the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program in addition to standard care. Most participants were female breast cancer survivors.
The YOCAS program includes a four-week intervention featuring both hatha and restorative yoga. These forms promote slow movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Participants practiced yoga for an average of 180 minutes per week over three sessions.
By the end of the trial, YOCAS participants reported improvements in mood, anxiety, and fatigue. The standard care group did not see these benefits. Researchers noted that improvements in insomnia might result from changes in mood and fatigue.
Yoga provides a non-pharmaceutical solution for managing side effects without adding more medications.
Expert Support for Yoga
Timothy Pearman, Ph.D., from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, expressed that yoga has been widely studied and validated for managing cancer-related fatigue and mood disturbances.
Yoga can be modified for people with significant physical impairment, making it accessible for all.
Pearman emphasized yoga’s affordability, as it requires only a mat and guidance. Shari Botwin, a clinical social worker and thyroid cancer survivor, found yoga transformative for overcoming physical and emotional challenges.
Yoga’s Broader Benefits
Besides easing anxiety and fatigue, yoga may help mitigate other physical symptoms related to cancer treatment, such as osteoporosis, cardiac problems, and balance issues.
Botwin added that yoga offers a supportive environment for survivors grappling with emotional challenges like guilt or shame. This practice encourages self-compassion and peer support, benefitting survivors on their healing journey.
Various organizations offer free yoga classes specifically for cancer survivors, helping them find a supportive community in their healing process. Cancer survivors are encouraged to engage in exercises they enjoyed before their diagnosis to maintain their well-being.