The expanding body of research on yoga and cancer substantiates the feasibility and efficacy of yoga therapy for cancer patients and survivors, offering support in handling both short and long-term side effects.

Cancer patients and survivors encounter unique challenges to their physical and mental well-being, some of which persist for decades after the initial treatment. Typically, cancer survivors face poor health, disabilities, heightened susceptibility to other illnesses, increased anxiety, and disruptions in daily functioning and family life.

​

Although yoga does not serve as a panacea, compelling evidence suggests that well-crafted interventions can have measurable positive effects on health and healing. Yoga therapy emerges as a potent, cost-effective tool that effectively aids individuals in managing the profound impacts of cancer.

The expanding body of research on yoga and cancer substantiates the feasibility and efficacy of yoga therapy for cancer patients and survivors, offering support in handling both short and long-term side effects. Among its myriad benefits, yoga therapy can help individuals enhance strength, flexibility, and balance; maintain a healthy body weight; improve psychological well-being; lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels; enhance sleep quality; reduce stress and anxiety; fortify the immune system; alleviate fatigue and inflammation; and enhance overall quality of life.

​

The existing body of evidence on the therapeutic effects of yoga interventions for cancer patients and survivors is robust and continually growing. Current research suggests that yoga can not only assist adult cancer patients and survivors in managing symptoms and side effects but can also contribute to longer, healthier lives.

​

Fatigue and Quality of Life: Yoga has demonstrated its ability to enhance sleep and reduce fatigue for cancer patients and survivors. Fatigue, one of the most frequently reported side effects among cancer survivors, can be mitigated through yoga interventions, leading to improved quality of life, psychosocial adjustment, and inflammatory pathways. The regular practice of controlled breathing, mindfulness techniques, and low-impact postures can improve overall sleep, sleep quality and duration, and may reduce participants’ reliance on sleeping pills. Yoga has shown promise in improving persistent fatigue and increasing vitality for breast cancer patients, potentially surpassing the effectiveness of psychosocial and educational interventions in reducing depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

​

Anxiety, Depression and Stress: Yoga interventions have proven effective in enhancing mental and emotional health related to cancer. Clinically, yoga has been shown to improve anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Additionally, yoga therapy may contribute to increased emotional and social functioning.

​

Pain Management: Yoga's impact on pain management extends to various forms of pain, including arthritis, back pain, and carpal tunnel pain. Recent studies indicate that yoga can reduce joint pain, muscle and body aches, time spent in bed, and musculoskeletal symptoms for those with cancer. It may also alleviate feelings of weakness, sluggishness, and heaviness in the body.

​

Strength, Flexibility, and Bone Health: Yoga has demonstrated effectiveness in improving strength, range of motion, and bone health. Cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and medications can diminish muscle and bone strength, flexibility, and health over both short and long-term periods. Regular yoga practice can counteract these effects by increasing muscle strength and flexibility, supporting a full range of movement in different joints, and improving balance. Many yoga poses involve weight-bearing, which has been shown to strengthen bones, increase spinal flexion, improve posture, and lead to improvements in bone density.

Weight Management: People with a history of cancer diagnosis are more likely to be obese than the general population. Weight management is crucial for this population, as studies suggest that weight gain and obesity increase the risk of multiple cancers and mortality risk among breast cancer survivors. Research on metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity indicates that yoga interventions can facilitate weight loss.

​

Lymphatic System and Lymphedema: In addition to strength and flexibility, some evidence suggests that yoga may be beneficial in managing lymphedema. The lymphatic system relies on muscular contraction, flexion and compression, respiration, arterial pulse pressure, and the natural pull of gravity to maintain tissue fluid balance and promote lymphatic drainage. Yoga postures, movements, and breathing techniques are uniquely suited to facilitate these processes and may help reduce buildup and promote lymphatic drainage.