A breast cancer diagnosis can be accompanied by numerous physical and psychosocial challenges. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and impact of yoga practice (YP) on quality of life (QoL), mood, fatigue, and perceived stress immediately after breast cancer diagnosis.

Thirty women with biopsy-proven breast cancer without metastatic disease were randomly assigned to a yoga group (YG) or control group (CG) immediately after diagnosis. The YG received one individual YP session at baseline, followed by two individual and eight weekly group sessions, and then weekly gentle yoga at home using a DVD. Both groups completed questionnaires and saliva samples (including cortisol levels) at baseline and 12 weeks postdiagnosis.

Both groups reported significant improvements in QoL postintervention, with no significant difference between groups. Emotional well-being, mood-related tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, and confusion-bewilderment scores improved for both groups, and cortisol and cortisone levels decreased. Lumpectomies were prevalent in both groups, with 67% in the YG and 47% in the CG. Participants rated YP as “very effective” in providing relaxation (85%), stress relief (69%), and reduced muscle tension/general feeling of wellness (each 62%).

The feasibility of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis was good. Both groups showed improvements in emotional well-being, anxiety, depression, and levels of confusion. This study is the first to examine the impact of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis, and further research in this area is warranted.

Reference: Pruthi, S., Stan, D. L., Jenkins, S. M., Huebner, M., Borg, B. A., Thomley, B. S., & Nes, L. S. (2012). A randomized controlled pilot study assessing feasibility and impact of yoga practice on quality of life, mood, and perceived stress in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Global Advances In Health and Medicine, 1(5), 30-35.