Scientific Evidence Supports Techniques Such as Meditation and Music for Alleviating Anxiety in Cancer Patients
In a groundbreaking development for cancer patients, a new set of national guidelines recommends the use of mind-body techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, to help manage anxiety and depression during and after treatment. The guidelines, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, were formulated by an expert panel convened by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The guidelines aim to provide patients with decision-making support and education about effective and safe mind-body therapies. Integrative Oncology, a branch of integrative medicine applied specifically to cancer care, combines standard cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with complementary therapies to manage symptoms, reduce side effects of treatment, and support overall quality of life.
For cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression, several integrative therapies are recommended. These include mind-body therapies like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, which can help reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and improve mood. Studies have also shown that music therapy and Tai Chi can effectively reduce anxiety and depression, relieve pain, and improve quality of life in cancer patients. Massage therapy may also be helpful for alleviating symptoms and promoting relaxation.
However, the use of dietary supplements during cancer treatment must be approached with caution due to potential risks.
At the Wilmot Cancer Institute, patients have access to an integrative oncology and wellness center cost-free, thanks to the Pluta Cancer Center Foundation. The center offers services online and through an on-site location at the Pluta Cancer Center, catering to the 27-county upstate New York region. The Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center is co-directed by Alissa Huston, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, who was part of the national team that reviewed scientific data and made recommendations based on clinical study outcomes.
Patients can practice mindfulness techniques in stressful situations, such as while waiting for scan results. To quiet negative thoughts and bring a sense of calm, patients can take slow, deep breaths and focus on positive affirmations or phrases. Alissa Huston suggests that patients talk candidly with their physicians about all vitamins and supplements they are taking.
Integrative Medicine, the holistic healthcare approach that combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies, emphasizes a partnership between patient and practitioner, prevention, and wellness, using a comprehensive, evidence-based blend of therapies tailored to individual needs.
More than 40% of individuals with cancer report anxiety or depression associated with the diagnosis and may suffer a reduced quality of life. However, with these new guidelines, cancer patients now have a wealth of evidence-supported mind-body therapies to help manage their anxiety and depression while complementing conventional cancer treatments.
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[1] Integrative Medicine: An Overview. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-medicine [2] Integrative Oncology: An Overview. National Cancer Institute. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/integrative-oncology-pdq [3] Huston, A. L., & Bauer, B. A. (2019). Integrative oncology: a review of the evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine in cancer care. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(18), 1863-1872. [4] National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). (2021). Integrative health and patient support (IHPS) professional guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/ihps.pdf [5] Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO). (2021). About SIO. Retrieved from https://www.societyforintegrativeoncology.org/
- The guidelines, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggest the use of mind-body techniques like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, which are part of the science of Integrative Oncology, a branch of integrative medicine.
- The new guidelines also recommend nutrition as a crucial aspect for cancer patients, as it plays a significant role in health-and-wellness, and may affect medical-conditions, such as cancer.
- Fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and Mindfulness practices are equally important for cancer patients, as they can help manage anxiety, depression, stress, and improve the overall quality of life.
- However, due to potential risks, the use of dietary supplements during cancer treatment must be discussed with physicians, as advised by Alissa Huston, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, who emphasizes prevention, wellness, and evidence-based complementary therapies, such as CBD, through the holistic healthcare approach of Integrative Medicine.
