Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

Lilly Tyler

February 23, 2018

Academy for Arts, Science, and Technology

Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

Around thirty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer develop psychological

difficulties (Zhang et al., 2012). These difficulties include depression, anxiety, stress, and

fatigue. There are many forms of therapy and medications to help cope with psychological

distress. One of these forms of therapy is yoga. Yoga is one of the best ways to help the distress

produced by breast cancer.

What is Yoga and How Does It Help?

Yoga is an ancient practice which originated in India around five thousand years ago by a

group of men called Rishis (Breastcancer.org, nd). It is a variety of poses such as the downward

dog and the mountain pose, combined with different breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga

links together the mind, body, and spirit to bring a sense of relaxation, calmness, and

enlightenment to all who pursue this Hindu exercise (Lasater, 2016). This practice focuses on

movement and breathing which increases strength and wellbeing, as well as the mind

(Breastcancer.org, nd). Many may refrain from yoga because they believe it will cost too much

money, however, yoga can be done right from your home for free. There are many types of yoga

such as hatha yoga and restorative yoga (Acefitness.org, n.d.). Each person should find the type

of yoga that is right for them so that they are most comfortable (Acefitness.org, n.d.). Hatha

yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga therapy are the least difficult while power yoga and sculpt yoga

push and challenge you (Acefitness.org, n.d.). Each type of yoga has its own specialization,

style, and goal (Acefitness.org, n.d.). Yoga is widely used by many different people

(Acefitness.org, n.d.). Some use it for fitness, others may use it for a spiritual awakening

(Lasater, 2016). Yoga can even be used to ease the mind and help cope with depression and

anxiety (Danhauer et al., nd). Around 15 million Americans said that they have practiced yoga at
Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

least one time in their lives (Cramer et al., 2012). Almost half of these people have used it as a

coping mechanism for a disease or to improve their health (Cramer et al., 2012).

It is very common for women with, or who previously have had breast cancer to

experience psychological distress after being diagnosed with this scary disease (Ng et al., 2017).

The distress can be a side effect of treatment or it can come from the diagnosis itself since breast

cancer is such life changing disease (Ng et al., 2017). Psychological distress may include fatigue,

depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and increased stress levels (Ng et al., 2017). Distress can

make simple tasks extremely hard for these women. Because of the distress and depression they

experience, they may want to give up and not see a point in even trying to get better which can

lead to a lower quality of life and could possibly end up in them getting worse (Ng et al., 2017).

Yoga can help prevent this from ever becoming an issue (Breastcancer.org, nd). It may also

distract these women from thinking about the situation and give them something to do instead of

worrying about it. The practice of yoga can reduce fatigue and stress, and it can also improve

your state of mind (Breastcancer.org, nd). Yoga is a relaxing, more fun way of exercising. This

soothing exercise stimulates your body to produce endorphins which improve your overall sense

of well-being and can trigger a positive feeling in your body. Along with bringing a happier,

more positive mentality, yoga can also help improve women with breast cancers physical health

(Danhauer et al., nd). It can help them regain their strength, balance, and may also relieve their

pain (Danhauer et al., nd).

Studies

There have been many studies to show that yoga can improve psychological distress in

women with breast cancer. These studies have included literature reviews and trials where
Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer take yoga classes for a few

weeks and then take surveys about how they feel. According to a study published in an issue of

Psycho-Oncology forty four women with breast cancer were each placed in a group and then

evaluated (The Art of Healing, 2009). Twenty two of those women had undertaken seventy five

minute yoga classes for ten weeks while the other twenty two women were in a control group

(The Art of Healing, 2009). At the end of the ten week program fifty percent of the women who

had been in the yoga group said they had a decrease in depression and twelve percent of these

women said they had an increase in the feeling of peace and meaning (The Art of Healing,

2009).

In another study conducted by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center,

one hundred and sixty three women diagnosed with breast cancer were each assigned to a group

(Cancer.org, n.d.). The first group joined a one hour yoga class which was three days a week for

six weeks (Cancer.org, n.d.). The second group joined a stretching class for the same time

period, and the third did not enroll in any classes (Cancer.org, n.d.). Once the six weeks were

over, the yoga group reported that they had a better ability to engage in their daily activities,

along with less fatigue, and better general health, while stretching only reported less fatigue

(Cancer.org, n.d.). After a saliva test the yoga group also appeared to have had lower cortisol

levels which is a hormone released during stress (Cancer.org, n.d.).

In another study performed by researchers from The Ohio State University, it was found

yet again that yoga is beneficial to women with breast cancer (Cancer.org, n.d.). Two hundred

breast cancer survivors were placed in groups (Cancer.org, n.d.). Some of these women went to

a yoga class twice a week for twelve weeks (Cancer.org, n.d.). The women in the other group

did not go to a class (Cancer.org, n.d.). Three months after completing these classes, the group of
Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

women who had partaken in yoga classes had an average of fifty seven percent lower fatigue

than the women who did not participate in yoga classes (Cancer.org, n.d.). The women who had

taken the classes also had a reduction of inflammation in the body by up to twenty percent

(Cancer.org, n.d.).

Conclusion

In conclusion, women with breast cancer should practice yoga if they experience

psychological distress. There are many studies that have been performed to prove this. This

ancient practice unites the mind, body, and spirit to bring maximum relaxation and happiness.

Yoga reduces depression, anxiety, fatigue, and stress. Yoga is one of the best ways to help

women cope with the psychological effects of breast cancer.

Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

References

Acefitness.org (n.d.). What Style of Yoga is Right for You? Retrieved February 27, 2018,

from https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/5383/what-style-of-

yoga-is-right-for-you

Breastcancer.org (n.d.).Yoga. Retrieved January 29, 2018, from

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/types/yoga

Cancer.org. (n.d.). For Breast Cancer Survivors, Life is Better With Yoga. Retrieved

February 27, 2018, from https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/for-breast-cancer-survivors-life-is-

better-with-yoga.html

Cramer, H., Lange, S., Klose, P., Paul, A., & Dobos, G. (2012). Yoga for breast cancer

patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer, 12412.

doi:10.1186/1471-2407-12-412

Danhauer, S. C., Mihalko, S. L., Russell, G. B., Campbell, C. R., Felder, L., Daley, K., &

Levine, E. A. (2009). Restorative yoga for women with breast cancer: findings from a

randomized pilot study. Psycho-Oncology, 18(4), 360-368.

Lasater, J. H. (2016). what is Yoga?. Yoga Journal, 8-16.

Ng, C. G., Mohamed, S., Kaur, K., Sulaiman, A. H., Zainal, N. Z., Taib, N. A., & null, n.

(2017). Perceived distress and its association with depression and anxiety in breast cancer

patients. Plos ONE, 12(3), 1-10. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172975

Zhang, J., Yang, K., Tian, J., & Wang, C. (2012). Effects of yoga on psychologic

function and quality of life in women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized

controlled trials. Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 18(11),

994-1002. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0514
Using Yoga To Help Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

The Art of Healing (2009). YOGA PROVIDES EMOTIONAL BENEFITS TO WOMEN

WITH BREAST CANCER. Art of Healing, 2(27), 9.