Research Confirms Benefits of Mental Techniques such as Meditation and Music Therapy in Reducing Anxiety Connected to Cancer
Integrative medicine, a holistic approach that combines conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies, is gaining traction in cancer care. This method aims to improve quality of life, manage symptoms, and support emotional and physical well-being alongside standard medical care [1][3][5].
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) have recently published a new set of guidelines recommending the use of mind-body techniques for cancer patients to manage anxiety and depression during and after treatment [4].
These techniques include mindfulness meditation, yoga, hypnosis, acupuncture, music therapy, and essential oils. Each of these therapies is designed to reduce stress, alleviate pain, manage side effects, and enhance emotional balance [2][3].
For instance, mindfulness meditation and yoga help reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic stress by promoting relaxation and mental resilience [2][3]. Hypnosis can assist in pain management and reducing treatment-related nausea, while acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate pain, nausea, and fatigue associated with cancer treatments [1][2]. Music therapy supports emotional expression and psychological coping, and essential oils may be used to promote relaxation and symptom relief [3].
It is essential to note that these therapies should always be used under the guidance of the oncology care team to ensure safety, evaluate potential interactions with medical treatments, and coordinate care optimally [3].
Luckily, integrative oncology programs, such as those at specialized cancer centers, often provide these services as part of comprehensive cancer care. For example, the Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center, located at Wilmot's Pluta Cancer Center in Henrietta, offers a range of services free of charge to all patients in the 27-county upstate New York region it serves [6].
Alissa Huston, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and co-medical director of the Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center, was part of the national team that reviewed scientific data and made recommendations based on clinical study outcomes [7].
Patients are advised to discuss all vitamins and supplements they are taking with their physicians, as the guidelines do not recommend the use of supplements due to inconclusive scientific data and potential unsafe interactions with cancer medications [8].
In addition to on-site services, many services at Wilmot are available online, including classes and a digital library of videos. Patients can practice mindfulness techniques in stressful situations, such as while waiting for scan results [9].
A clinical trial evaluating music therapy for breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment is currently open at Wilmot [10].
More than 40% of individuals with cancer report anxiety or depression associated with the diagnosis and may suffer a reduced quality of life [11]. These new guidelines offer hope for those patients, providing evidence-based recommendations for integrative oncology interventions that could improve their well-being and help them cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
References:
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Integrative Oncology. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/integrative-oncology-pdq
[2] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Mind-Body Approaches. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/mind-body-approaches
[3] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Integrative Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/integrative_medicine/
[4] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Integrative Medicine in Oncology. Retrieved from https://www.asco.org/about-asco/asco-care-initiatives/integrative-medicine-oncology
[5] Society for Integrative Oncology. (2021). About SIO. Retrieved from https://www.societyforintegrativeoncology.org/about/
[6] Wilmot Cancer Institute. (2021). Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center. Retrieved from https://www.wilmot.rochester.edu/integrative-oncology-wellness-center
[7] University of Rochester Medical Center. (2021). Alissa Huston, MD. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/faculty-and-staff/directory/profile/Huston-Alissa
[8] Wilmot Cancer Institute. (2021). Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center. Retrieved from https://www.wilmot.rochester.edu/integrative-oncology-wellness-center
[9] Wilmot Cancer Institute. (2021). Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center. Retrieved from https://www.wilmot.rochester.edu/integrative-oncology-wellness-center
[10] Wilmot Cancer Institute. (2021). Clinical Trials. Retrieved from https://www.wilmot.rochester.edu/clinical-trials
[11] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
- The Society for Integrative Oncology, along with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, recommends the use of 'mind-body techniques' such as mindfulness meditation and yoga for cancer patients to manage anxiety and depression during and post-treatment, which resonates with the broader field of health-and-wellness.
- Complimentary therapies like acupuncture, music therapy, and essential oils are found effective in alleviating pain, nausea, and fatigue associated with 'fitness-and-exercise' treatment side effects and promoting relaxation and symptom relief.
- A clinical study is currently evaluating the impact of music therapy on breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment, demonstrating the increasing application of 'science' in integrative oncology methods to improve mental-health and overall well-being of patients facing cancer.
