Source: Fox News
Summary
A recent clinical trial found that yoga can significantly reduce insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances in cancer survivors. The study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, compared 204 cancer survivors receiving standard care with 206 survivors who paired standard care with the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program. The YOCAS participants reported overall improvements to mood, anxiety, and fatigue, while the standard care group did not. The researchers noted that yoga can offer a non-pharmaceutical solution for reducing multiple side effects at once.
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The advice sounds familiar. This guidance has been heard before. The recommendation enters another phase.
Yoga for cancer survivors is not a new concept, but the study’s findings are a reminder that non-pharmaceutical solutions can be effective in reducing side effects. The YOCAS program, which incorporates hatha and restorative yoga, has been shown to improve mood, anxiety, and fatigue in cancer survivors. The study’s results are consistent with previous research on the benefits of yoga for cancer patients.
The study’s focus on breast-cancer survivors is also noteworthy, as this population is often understudied. The researchers’ finding that yoga can improve insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances in this population is significant, as these symptoms can substantially inhibit survivors’ ability to perform everyday activities.
As with any health guidance, it’s essential to approach these findings with a critical eye. While yoga may be beneficial for some cancer survivors, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of yoga for cancer survivors.
Author: Evan Null
