Yoga may Benefit Breast Cancer Patients via Reduction of Stress Hormones

A recent study shows just how women with breast cancer could benefit from the stress regulating treatments of yoga, according to researchers from the University of Texas.

Lead study author MD Anderson of the university's cancer center notes that their research is part of an ongoing effort to scientifically validate mind-body interventions in cancer patients that can be conducted through the collaboration of India's largest yoga research institution, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Bangalore, India.

The study showed that while performing simple stretching exercises in yoga, patients improved their ability to engage in daily activities, had better general health and had better regulation of stress hormones.

Women in the yoga group were also better equipped to find meaning in the illness experience, which declined over time for the women in the other two groups. The study also determined, for the first time, the yoga benefits in cancer patients, by comparing their experience with patients in an active control group who integrated simple, generic stretching exercises into their lives.

"Combining mind and body practices that are part of yoga clearly have tremendous potential to help patients manage the psychosocial and physical difficulties associated with treatment and life after cancer, beyond the benefits of simple stretching," said Cohen, via a press release.

The organization of the study is further explained, courtesy of the release: "For their research, "191 women with breast cancer (stage 0-3) were randomized to one of three groups: 1) yoga; 2) simple stretching; or 3) no instruction in yoga or stretching. Participants in the yoga and stretching groups attended sessions specifically tailored to breast cancer patients for one-hour, three days a week throughout their six weeks of radiation treatment.

"Participants were asked to report on their quality of life, including levels of fatigue and depression, their daily functioning and a measure assessing ability to find meaning in the illness experience. Saliva samples were collected and electrocardiogram tests were administered at baseline, end of treatment, and at one, three and six months post-treatment."

Study results showed that women who practiced yoga had the steepest decline in cortisol levels across the day showing a reduction in the stress hormone. As higher hormone stress levels have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, researchers note the importance of exercise and keeping risks low.

"The transition from active therapy back to everyday life can be very stressful as patients no longer receive the same level of medical care and attention. Teaching patients a mind-body technique like yoga as a coping skill can make the transition less difficult."

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More information regarding the study can be found via the Journal of Clinical Oncology.