Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in Oncology (original) (raw)
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Integrative Cancer Care – a Summary of Evidence
Forschende Komplementärmedizin =, 2011
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant existing evidence, and critically appraises the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in cancer care. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was conducted in order to investigate the effect of MBSR on quality of life (QoL), mood, and distress. Besides 6 reviews (5 systematic, 1 meta-analytic) which are reported separately, a total of 19 original research papers fully met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. The 19 original papers consisted of 5 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 4 non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs), 9 observational studies (OS) and 1 two-arm observational study. The included outcome measures were QoL, mood, and distress. Cohen's effect size d was computed for each category. Estimating the effect on QoL, a total of n = 248 patients out of 6 studies was included and the overall effect size was 0.29 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.40; p ≤ 0.00005). Calculating the effect on mood, a total of n = 411 patients out of ten studies were included, and the overall effect size was 0.42 (95% CI 0.26-0.58; p < 0.0001). Reduction in distress revealed an overall effect size of 0.58 (95% CI 0.45-0.72; p < 0.0001; n = 587 patients out of 15 studies). MBSR programmes can improve QoL and mood, and reduce distress in cancer patients. However, there is an urgent need for more high quality RCTs implementing adequate controls, longer follow-up periods, sufficient samples sizes, clear descriptions of patients' psychological profiles, and the accompanying utilisation of qualitative measures. Schlüsselwörter Meta-Analyse • Achtsamkeit • MBSR • Integrative Onkologie • Krebspatienten • Systematischer Review • Mind-Body-Medizin Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Arbeit versucht, einen umfassenden Überblick über die bestehende Evidenz zum Einsatz von MBSR(mindfulness-based stress reduction)-Programmen im Rahmen der onkologischen Therapie zu geben. Darüber hinaus wurde eine Meta-Analyse durchgeführt, um die Wirkung von MBSR auf die Lebensqualität (quality of life; QoL), Stimmung und Stress eingehender zu untersuchen. Neben 6 Übersichtsarbeiten (5 systematische Reviews, 1 Meta-Analyse), die gesondert referiert werden, erfüllten insgesamt 19 Originalarbeiten die Einschlusskriterien. Von den 19 Originalarbeiten waren 5 Studien randomisiert und kontrolliert, 4 Studien waren nichtrandomisiert, aber kontrolliert, 9 waren Beobachtungsstudien, und eine Studie wurde als zweiarmige Beobachtungsstudie durchgeführt. Relevante Endpunkte waren QoL, Stimmung und Stress. Für jede Kategorie wurde Cohens d als Maß für die Effektstärke berechnet. Zur Abschätzung des Einflusses auf die QoL wurden insgesamt n = 248 Patienten aus 6 Studien in die Analyse eingeschlossen. Cohens d betrug 0,29 (95%-Konfidenzinterval (95%-KI) 0,17-0,40; p ≤ 0,00005). Für die Variable Stimmung wurden insgesamt 411 Patienten aus zehn Studien einbezogen; der Gesamteffekt betrug 0,42 (95%-KI 0,26-0,58; p < 0,0001). Für die Variable Stress ergab sich eine Effektstärke von 0,58 (95%-KI 0,45-0,72; p < 0,0001; n = 587 Patienten aus 15 Studien). MBSR-Programme können die Lebensqualität und Stimmung von onkologischen Patienten verbessern und die subjektiv empfundene Belastung reduzieren. Nichtsdestotrotz besteht nach wie vor Bedarf an randomisierten-kontrollierten Studien hoher Qualität, mit angemessenen, aktiven Kontrollbedingungen, längerem Follow-up, ausreichender Stichprobengröße, klaren Beschreibungen der psychologischen Profile von Patienten sowie der vermehrten Integration qualitativer Forschungsmethoden.
OBM integrative and complimentary medicine, 2024
The aim of this article is to provide a quantitative assessment of the correlation between heightened mindfulness and stress reduction among cancer patients and survivors who engaged in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions. Utilizing data from eight studies, we conducted quantitative analyses to provide the effectiveness scores of MBSR interventions on mindfulness, assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and stress symptoms, evaluated through standardized self-reported questionnaires. The effectiveness scores are standardized as percentages relative to baseline (pre-intervention) levels, which allows for the comparison of two variables: mindfulness and perceived stress, on a common scale, facilitating a regression analysis to generate a correlation trendline. The findings reveal that MBSR interventions yielded an average increase in mindfulness levels of 7.93%, with a standard deviation of 4.97%, while concurrently reducing stress or stress-like symptoms by an average of 22.58%, with a standard deviation of 8.77%. Subsequent linear regression analyses were performed on these effectiveness metrics to establish a correlation trendline, demonstrating a robust negative correlation between mindfulness and stress among cancer patients and survivors. In conclusion, MBSR interventions are effective in enhancing mindfulness and alleviating stress or stress-like symptoms in cancer patients and survivors. This finding suggests a causal relationship between mindfulness and stress reduction, endorsing the integration of MBSR as a complementary therapy for cancer management.
Stress and Health, 2007
Quantitative research has shown Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programmes can reduce mood disturbance, improve quality of life, and decrease stress symptoms of cancer patients. However, the range of subjective effects experienced by programme participants has not been clearly described. Nine cancer patients who had participated in an 8-week MBSR programme through the Tom Baker Cancer Centre's Department of Psychosocial Resources, and who continued to attend weekly drop-in MBSR sessions were interviewed for this study. Qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory analysis. Data from semi-structured interviews and a focus group were analysed using QSR N6 software to identify themes concerning the effects patients experienced by adding meditation to their lives. Five major themes emerged from the data: (1) opening to change; (2) self-control; (3) shared experience; (4) personal growth; (5) spirituality. This information was used to develop specific theory concerning mechanisms whereby MBSR effects change for cancer patients. These understandings may be used to refine and further develop MBSR programmes to better assist patients during cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2013
Background. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has demonstrated efficacy for alleviating cancer-related distress. Although theorized to be the means by which people improve, it is yet to be determined whether outcomes are related to the development or enhancement of mindfulness among participants. This study examined the effect of participation in an MBSR program on levels of mindfulness in a heterogeneous sample of individuals with cancer, and if these changes were related to improvements in stress and mood outcomes. Methods. In all, 268 individuals with cancer completed self-report assessments of stress and mood disturbances before and after participation in an 8-week MBSR program. Of these, 177 participants completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and 91 participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, at both time points. Results. Levels of mindfulness on both measures increased significantly over the course of the program. These were accompanied by significant reductions in mood disturbance (55%) and symptoms of stress (29%). Increases in mindfulness accounted for a significant percentage of the reductions in mood disturbance (21%) and symptoms of stress (14%). Being aware of the present moment and refraining from judging inner experience were the 2 most important mindfulness skills for improvements of psychological functioning among cancer patients. Conclusions. These results add to a growing literature measuring the impact of mindfulness and its relationship to improved psychological health. Moreover, specific mindfulness skills may be important in supporting these improvements.
Psycho-Oncology, 2020
Background: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of participation in a randomized waitlist-controlled intervention of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in a young adult cancer sample. A secondary aim was to examine patterns of change in patient reported outcomes (PROs) of physical, social, and emotional functioning. Methods: Participants were enrolled at a large Midwestern comprehensive cancer center and randomized to MBSR or a waitlist control. Feasibility and acceptability were examined through enrollment metrics and a survey. PROs were gathered at baseline, 8-weeks, and 16-weeks. Descriptive statistics and mixed models were used in analyses. Results: Of 597 eligible participants, 151 (26.5%) consented from which 126 (83.4%) completed baseline measures. Sixty-seven participants were randomized to MBSR, and 59 to the waitlist. Immediately following MBSR, the majority of respondents (72%−78%) reported their experience with mindfulness was very logical and useful to increasing their wellbeing. Compared to waitlist members, MBSR participant's scores on PROs improved in expected directions. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that recruitment for an intensive, in-person, multi-week supportive intervention can be challenging with young adults with cancer, similar to other cancer survivor populations; however once enrolled, feasibility and acceptability of MBSR was supported. Further, initial evidence on the role of MBSR on short-term changes in select PROs with this population was also demonstrated.
Patient Education and Counseling, 2008
This study explores satisfaction and changes in well-being in cancer patients following mindfulness-based stress reduction training. Data were collected in 47 cancer patients before and after the training, and also 1 year later. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure quality of life, joy in life, mood disturbances (depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and tension), meaning in life and physical symptoms. Participants were highly satisfied and said they had reached their goals with the training. The results show that directly after the training patients reported a better quality of life, more joy in life, less tension, and fewer physical symptoms. These effects appeared even stronger at follow-up. A year after the training a decrease was also found in depression, anger, vigor and total mood disturbance. No changes could be established for meaning in life and fatigue. Effect sizes varied between 0.28 and 0.60, indicating small-to-moderate changes. Mindfulness training potentially supports cancer patients in handling the stress due to their life-threatening disease and increases their well-being. Several suggestions for further research are discussed. Mindfulness training provides cancer patients with tools to deal with their limitations and worries, both during and after their treatment.
Mindfulness and its impact in cancer patients- Evidence based medicine
IP Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Allied Science
The present investigation aims to examine the impact of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) and mindful practice on individuals diagnosed with cancer, drawing upon the extant literature. The MBSR program typically spans over a duration of eight weeks and involves a structured and intensive approach to training individuals in mindfulness meditation techniques. The present investigation examined the Pubmed search engine and identified a total of 1919 studies through the utilization of specific keywords. The scope of the search was narrowed down to encompass solely studies and trials that incorporated mindfulness practices. Qualitative intervention methods, reviews, observational studies, metanalysis, yoga, and dietary modifications were explicitly excluded from consideration. We additionally incorporated investigations with an impact factor equal to or greater than 10. The present study involved the analysis and review of nine studies that have been assigned an impac...