Mindfulness, Psychosocial Factors, and Breast Cancer

The number of cancer patients seeking complementary and psycho-social therapies has increased within the past decades. The effects of an eight-week mind-fulness-based stress reduction and relaxation intervention (MBSR) on state anxiety, coping styles, and mental adjustment to cancer were investigated in thirty women with breast cancer. Adherence to mindfulness techniques also were assessed at follow-up. Results showed significant changes from pre- to post-measures on the above factors with adequate adherence of mindfulness techniques. More trials are needed to fully determine the usefulness of MBSR programs for individuals suffering with cancer.