Research tells us that women diagnosed with breast cancer are the highest users of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Many of the cancer organisations explain the reason for this as being due to the need for women to “take control” of their healing. Yoga’s popularity has seen it emerge as a powerful complementary therapy for women before, during and after their treatment for breast cancer. “Yoga takes me away from what is happening to my breasts and allows me to focus on my whole body. I realise that there is more to my body than one small tumour and it has given me strength and control over my responses and thoughts." Shirley

A recent research publication explored the reasons behind women’s choice of yoga and revealed their motives for participation in yoga were relaxation, the will to be physically active, the wish to pay more attention to their body and the long term need to rehabilitate after the cessation of their treatment. This study further reported that women felt yoga helped them to cope with the psychosocial symptoms of breast cancer treatment, enabled them to create more resilience and that they gained enjoyment from being part of a group. For many years The Vivekenanda (SVYASA) group in India has carried out a consistent body of research using Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT). Their intervention is usually from the time of diagnosis through treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Results including quicker return to well-being and reduced anxiety(link is external) and depression(link is external) have led to their ongoing partnership in USA with the MD Anderson Cancer Centre with a focus on the effect of yoga on women during radiotherapy. Early results have shown that for those doing yoga their Quality of Life improved and they experienced less negative thoughts about their cancer experience In the past few years larger RCTs with well designed studies have produced further positive results.

Recent studies have reported on: • Improved immune function • Reduction in menopausal symptoms • Reduced fatigue while undergoing radiation • Improved health and reduction in treatment side effects • Improved sleep

Although there is only one study for those with secondary breast cancer it, reported that women experienced less pain and fatigue after doing yoga and felt more relaxed and invigorated as well as accepting of their condition. We now have evidence-based research confirming the benefit of a yoga practice for those who have secondary lymphedema from breast cancer treatment. These studies indicate that whether having treatment for primary or secondary breast cancer yoga gives women some degree of control back in a medical world where they feel they have lost control. The studies have shown a variety of practices and techniques that can be used at every stage of treatment, such is the diversity of strategies offered by yoga.

From diagnosis women can be given a physical practice to prepare their tissue and lymphatic system for surgery. They can learn techniques such as square breathing or brahmari to keep them calm while being wheeled to surgery and to help with the effects of anaesthetic. Personalised taped recordings can be made and given to women to use in hospital and throughout their treatment and recovery whether in breathing, meditation or relaxation practices. Mantra can be used to help calm the mind and prevent the loop of negative thinking that can occur at unexpected times. Mindfulness practices can be given also for these times or to help with the often reported feeling of dread while awaiting results. During chemotherapy and radiotherapy mindful practices and visualisations can be used to see the process as healing rather than destroying. The choice to focus on a Yamaor Niyama can be utilized to remind women to focus on what is best for them during this time. When recovering shoulder function, yoga can rebuild myofascial functioning, kinematic movement patterns and gradually stability and strength.

Yoga practices can improve immune function and be used specifically for those with lymphedema, those having menopausal symptoms or pain from hormonal treatments. The power of the group appears to provide support and belonging so that women feel they are participating in their normal life and having a break from their medical merry-go-round. Sometimes, being part of a group is what gets women out of bed during treatment, just so they can see their class pals. Cancer is like a black hole, it drains the prana from our physical being. Yoga practices can help restore this prana, whatever the diagnosis or treatment.

References

1. Greenlee, H., Kwan, M. L., Ergas, I. J., Sherman, K. J., Krathwoh, S. E., Bonnell, C., et al. (2009). Complementary and alternative therapy use before and after breast cancer diagnosis: the Pathways Study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 117(3), 653-665.

2. Van Uden-Kraan, C. F., Chinapaw, M. J., Drossaert, C. H., Verdonck-de Leeuw, I. M., & Buffart, L. M. (2013). Cancer patients' experiences with and perceived outcomes of yoga: results from focus groups. Support Care Cancer, 21(7), 1861-1870.

3. Chandwani, K. D., Perkins, G., Nagendra, H. R., Raghuram, N. V., Spelman, A., Nagarathna, R., et al. (2014). Randomized, Controlled Trial of Yoga in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy. J Clin Oncol, 32(10), 1058-1065.

4. Carlson, L. E., Beattie, T. L., Giese-Davis, J., Faris, P., Tamagawa, R., Fick, L. J., et al. (2014). Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery and Supportive-Expressive Therapy Maintain Telomere Length Relative to Controls in Distressed Breast Cancer Survivors. (link is external)Cancer(link is external), 00, 1-9.

5. Cramer, H., Rabsilber, S., Lauche, R., Kümmel, S., & Dobos, G. (2015). Yoga and meditation for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors-A randomized controlled trial. Cancer(link is external).

6. Chakrabarty, J., Vidyasagar, M., Fernandes, D., Joisa, G., Varghese, P., & Mayya, S. (2015). Effectiveness of pranayama on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: A randomized controlled trial. (link is external)International Journal of Yoga,(link is external) 8(1), 47-53.

7. Pan, Y., Yang, K., Wang, Y., Zhang, L., & Liang, H. (2015). Could yoga practice improve treatment-related side effects and quality of life for women with breast cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis.(link is external) Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology.

8.Mustian, K. M., Sprod, L. K., Janelsins, M., Peppone, L. J., Palesh, O. G., Chandwani, K., et al. (2013). Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of yoga for sleep quality among cancer survivors.(link is external) J Clin Oncol, 31(26), 3233-3241.

9.Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Porter, L. S., Keefe, F. J., Shaw, H., & Miller, J. (2007). Yoga for women with metastatic breast cancer:results from a pilot study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33(3), 331-341

10.Loudon, A., Barnett, T., Piller, N., Immink, M., & Williams, A. (2014). Yoga Management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomised controlled pilot-trial. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 14(214), 1-13.

*Please Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of YogaMate or it's Panel of Advisors. This information it nota substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition..

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