Yoga benefits cancer patients

Women who take yoga classes during breast cancer treatment seem to function better physically and feel better about their health. Yoga practice includes a series of poses to promote flexibility, strength and mental relaxation. There are several different forms of yoga. Researchers form the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, USA, randomly assigned 62 women (the average age of the patients in the study was 52 years) undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer to attend yoga classes twice a week or be put on a waiting list to start yoga after their treatment. All patients completed surveys about various quality-of-life measurements. The women who practiced yoga reported better physical functioning, such as the ability to walk a mile, climb stairs and lift groceries. They also felt better about their overall health and reported less fatigue and problems sleeping. No difference was seen, however, in rates of depression and anxiety in the two groups. The instructors emphasised breathing and relaxation and excluded positions that would be difficult for patients with weakened range of motion. The researchers plan to do another study, comparing breast cancer patients taking yoga with others in a class that teaches general stretching exercises. The goal will be to determine if the benefits seen from yoga come from the practice itself or the emotional support received from participating in a class. If indeed yoga does better, it will be worthwhile considering yoga as a successful intervention.