Yoga Proven Effective in Complementary Cancer Care

by Jack Bleeker

-Reference

Bower, Julienne E., Woolery, Alison, Sternlieb, Beth, and Garet, Deborah. “Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors.” Cancer Control 12 (2005): 165-71

The 21st Century has brought with it tremendous strides in cancer survival and the efficacy of therapies. Among the more important aspects of this progress is the implementation of integrative oncology as an effective model for cancer treatment. Integrative oncology emphasizes not only the use of traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and surgery, but also complementary, non-curative therapies designed to ease the process of cancer treatment for the patient. These therapies can range from acupuncture to meditation, but have proven more often than not to be effective in assisting patients through the discomforts commonly associated with traditional cancer treatment. One therapy being incorporated into cancer care in recent years is Yoga.

The primary goals of integrative oncology are to achieve effective cancer treatment while maintaining patient comfort and relief of stress. Just as Yoga has been used for hundreds of years as an effective stress release mechanism for many people, so too is it now being utilized by cancer patients.

While further research is ongoing, preliminary studies examining the effects of Yoga among cancer patients and survivors support the efficacy of Yoga within cancer treatment regimens, including the combating of symptoms caused by chemotherapy drugs. Yoga has shown to dramatically reduce sleeplessness, cancer-related distress, nausea, and excessive fatigue.

Some aggressive cancers are difficult to treat with curative therapies. Many patients of malignancies such as mesothelioma choose to incorporate alternative therapies such as Yoga, not to supplant traditional therapies, but to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety associated with terminal disease. Therapies which can reduce stress levels and alleviate symptoms associated with aggressive chemotherapy cocktails and radiation treatments can be extremely beneficial not only to patients but also to family members and loved ones of patients.

This is not to say however, that Yoga and other alternative therapies are appropriate for all patients. Patients of mesothelioma cancer, for instance, should speak with their oncologist and other doctors to ensure that they are in good enough health to pursue any therapy which could induce mild stress on the body. However, support for Yoga and other well-being-based therapies is growing among the oncology establishment and many cancer centers are introducing sessions designed for patients and family members. If the ultimate goals of complementary cancer care are to introduce therapies which improve comfort levels and reduce stress experienced by patients and loved ones, Yoga will be at the forefront of integrative oncology now and in the future.

Mesothelioma Fund

Educating patients and families about mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos. We also have a free downloadable and printable booklet for both patients and caregivers as an easy reference. (Click for Info)

Organization providing help to patients and families affected by mesothelioma cancer:

• We have an active online community made up of experienced medical professionals and patients: two thoracic nurses with more than 25 years of experience, geneticist Ricki Lewis, PhD, caregivers, and survivors who share their experiences and advice with our readers.

• We provide extensive information resources for patients including the latest research and information on top doctors.

• We provide live Q&A’s with our team of nurses (you can visit our website to view prior and upcoming sessions).

• We provide an annual $10,000 college scholarship essay contest dedicated to the memory of Jan Egerton and Don Smitley.

• Certified by Honcode which verifies trustworthy health information.
  

Other resources:
https://www.mesotheliomahope.com
https://www.mesotheliomafund.com
https://www.mesotheliomahelp.org

Our organization was created to help the millions of people who were exposed to asbestos, a cancer causing mineral. Many of these men and women were exposed at work or during their military service and are now suffering from asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma cancer, a devastating and nearly always fatal disease. Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, (Click for Info)

We provide mesothelioma patients with free resources, support, education, and referrals to experienced mesothelioma doctors. We are a current sponsor of the American Cancer Society, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Make a Wish Foundation and the National Patient Travel Center. We also established a scholarship for high school and college students that will help further educate students of this rare cancer. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed since it shares the same symptoms as pneumonia and other common illnesses. http://mesothelioma.net

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