Cancer treatment does not always end when chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery finishes. Many cancer survivors continue to experience fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and emotional distress long after their treatment has ended.
New research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago suggests that a structured yoga programme could help address several of these common challenges at the same time.
The study involved around 400 cancer survivors. Half received standard follow up care, while the other half participated in a specialist programme known as Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS).
The programme combines gentle yoga poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques delivered three times per week over a four week period.
Improvements In Mood, Fatigue And Sleep
Researchers found that cancer survivors who took part in the yoga programme experienced improvements in several important areas of wellbeing.
Participants reported improvements in mood and anxiety scores, while researchers also observed reductions in fatigue and insomnia symptoms.
The programme consists of 18 gentle yoga poses together with breathing and mindfulness exercises specifically designed for cancer survivors.
According to the researchers, these findings are significant because many cancer survivors continue to struggle with fatigue, poor sleep and emotional wellbeing after treatment, yet there is currently no single behavioural intervention widely regarded as the gold standard for treating all of these symptoms together.
A Non Drug Approach To Cancer Recovery
One of the most encouraging aspects of the study is that yoga may offer a non pharmaceutical option for managing multiple symptoms at the same time.
Cancer survivors are often already taking several medications as part of their ongoing care. Programmes such as YOCAS may provide an additional tool to help improve quality of life without increasing medication burden.
While further research will undoubtedly follow, the findings add to growing evidence that physical activity, mindfulness and structured rehabilitation programmes can play an important role in recovery after cancer treatment.
Supporting Cancer Survivors Beyond Treatment
Surviving cancer is only part of the journey. Many patients continue to face physical and psychological challenges long after treatment has ended.
Research such as this highlights the importance of ongoing support services that help patients regain confidence, improve wellbeing and enhance quality of life following a cancer diagnosis.
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis Claims
While advances in cancer treatment and survivorship support are welcome, early diagnosis remains one of the most important factors affecting patient outcomes.
A delayed diagnosis can reduce treatment options, allow cancer to progress and in some cases affect a patient’s long term prognosis.
If you believe that your cancer diagnosis was delayed because symptoms were missed, referrals were not made, or investigations were not carried out promptly, you may wish to seek legal advice.
For more information, visit our delayed cancer diagnosis claims page.
