From Dené C. Wrenn, MD, a gynecologic oncologist with OHC, and Cancer Research UK
December 14, 2018
At OHC, we want to make sure you have access to the latest information about support services that can strengthen your fight against cancer. One of these support services is yoga. Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that yoga can cure or prevent any type of cancer, there are studies that suggest it might help people with cancer cope with symptoms and side effects.
Cancer care affects all aspects of your life. This includes fatigue, nausea and pain that are common side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. OHC understands when a patient is experiencing these sides effects, the idea of exercise may seem daunting. That’s why some patients turn to the gentle movements of yoga. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj,” yoga stands for the union or joining together of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is not considered a religious practice, but rather a philosophy of creating an internal environment that promotes health and vitality.
There are many types of yoga, but hatha yoga is the form of yoga most often referred to when people use the word yoga. With its slow, gentle movements, the practice of yoga may be possible for people who are otherwise limited in their activities due to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment.
In March 2010, a review of studies into yoga for patients with cancer was published. It included 10 trials. It found that yoga could help to reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and stress for some patients. And it improved the quality of sleep, mood and spiritual well-being for some people. The authors of the study said that overall yoga may be associated with some positive effects on psychological well-being for people with cancer. But the results of the studies review have to be used with caution because there were some weaknesses and differences in the research studies included. You can read the review of yoga for people with cancer on the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) website:
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/crdweb/ShowRecord.asp?LinkFrom=OAI&ID=12009107678
Other studies have shown yoga can help reduce tiredness and depression in people with breast cancer. A small study of men with prostate cancer also noted an improvement in their quality of life and general well-being when they practiced yoga regularly. Yoga can also have an impact on sleep. Some people reported that their sleep improved after following a regular yoga program.
At OHC, we surround you with services to help you stay focused on the priority – fighting cancer. Just remember to check with your OHC doctor or care team before you try something new, like yoga. There may be certain poses or movements that you should avoid especially if your treatment included surgery. They can help you find the best approach to strengthen you through your cancer treatment and survival. And if any pose hurts, stop and tell your instructor. Another good idea is to look for programs designed specifically for cancer patients. Some health clubs and hospitals offer exercise classes that address the challenges and needs of people with cancer. Finally, listen to your body. Don’t exercise if you’re not feeling well or running a fever.
At OHC, we can help you determine which types of additional support, like yoga, might be beneficial for you during and after treatment. It’s how we go beyond providing medical treatment in order to surround you with everything you need to fight cancer. For more information about yoga and other forms of exercise and movement, talk with your OHC doctor or care team, or call OHC at 1-888-649-4800.
OHC (Oncology Hematology Care) has been fighting cancer on the front lines for more than three decades. We are the region’s leading experts in the treatment of nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorder. OHC offers the latest medical, gynecologic and radiation therapy, and is always seeking better treatment options through participation in clinical trials. OHC is certified by the American Society for Clinical Oncology in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program, is an accredited Oncology Medical Home, and is one of only 179 practices nationally to be accepted into the Medicare Oncology Initiative. At its heart, our approach to cancer care is simple – to surround you with everything you need so you can focus on what matters most: beating cancer. For more information about services and careers at OHC, call 1-888-649-4800.
