A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and may bring stress and depression. The constant worry about the treatment outcomes and possible recurrence can lead to high-stress levels. However, research has shown that regular mindfulness and mind-body practices, like yoga and meditation, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common among patients undergoing cancer treatment. On World Cancer Day, let's find the role of mindfulness, meditation, and therapy in cancer patients.
Meditation, in particular, allows patients to focus on the present moment, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. It can help improve mood, enhance sleep quality, and even strengthen the immune system. By learning to manage their stress responses, patients may experience greater resilience and a more positive outlook on their treatment journey.
Techniques such as guided imagery and body scan meditation have been shown to decrease the perception of pain and reduce physical symptoms. ＾For cancer patients, adopting mindfulness can help foster a sense of control over their mind and body, reducing emotional strain and improving the overall quality of life,￣ says Dr. Nirupa J. Raghunathan, MD, MS, internist & integrative medicine specialist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.?
Therapy and counselling play a critical role in helping both cancer patients and their families navigate the complex emotional landscape that comes with a cancer diagnosis. The uncertainty, fear, and anxiety associated with the disease can be overwhelming, and therapy provides a safe space for patients to express these feelings.?
Through individual or family counselling, patients can learn to manage stress, cope with emotional distress, and gain practical tools to improve their mental well-being. According to Dr. Raghunathan, ＾Counseling can also help families understand the psychological impacts of cancer, providing them with strategies to offer emotional support and communicate effectively. For many patients, therapy offers not just emotional relief but also helps them regain a sense of control and agency in their lives.￣
Moreover, addressing these emotional challenges early on can improve adherence to treatment plans, enhance quality of life, and contribute to overall recovery. Both patients and their families benefit from a holistic approach that integrates mental health support alongside physical treatment, helping them face the journey with greater resilience and understanding.
Research has shown that incorporating mindfulness techniques into cancer care can significantly improve a patient's emotional and physical well-being during treatment. Dr. Raghunathan: ＾Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and body awareness, help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, all of which are common among cancer patients.￣
Studies have demonstrated that these techniques can enhance relaxation, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mental clarity. For patients undergoing treatment, mindfulness also helps manage the physical discomfort that often accompanies cancer care, such as pain, fatigue, and nausea.?
Additionally, it has been shown to improve immune function and promote a sense of peace and balance, which can be crucial in fostering recovery. Apart from this, a healthy and balanced diet also plays a major role.?
A well-balanced diet is a powerful tool in both cancer prevention and supporting patients during treatment. Dr. Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD, JD, MBA, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, says, ＾By making mindful food choices, individuals can improve their overall health and resilience. A diet rich in whole, plant-based foods can help lower the risk of developing cancer.￣
＾While diet alone cannot guarantee protection from cancer, combining healthy eating habits with regular exercise, stress management, and routine medical check-ups can significantly contribute to a healthier life,￣ he adds.