How Can Meditation Help After a Cancer Diagnosis?

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Research shows that meditating can boost our physical and mental wellness. But what does it mean to meditate, exactly? And how can a meditation practice support you if you are living with cancer? “Meditation is like a mirror that polishes the mind. Before we meditate, that mirror is foggy or smudgy, and it clouds our state of consciousness. But through stillness, we can start to withdraw our senses and turn inward. … We start to feel a greater sense of peace within.” Healing Light Meditation Tara Picklo Certified yoga teacher The mental and physical health benefits of meditation have been well-studied. Research suggests that, when practiced regularly, meditation can reduce stress and help manage anxiety and depression. It may also help improve sleep, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease. These are just a few potential benefits that have been found.1,2 But what if you are living with cancer? Research also shows that meditating can be helpful at different points in someone’s cancer experience. One expert panel found strong evidence that mindfulness-based interventions like meditation can help adults with cancer manage anxiety and depression during and after treatment.

In fact, compared to other integrative therapies, mindfulness-based interventions received the strongest recommendations from the panel for treating symptoms of both anxiety and depression.3 Other studies on mindfulness and cancer reveal similar and other potential benefits. In a review of clinical trial data4, one group of researchers found that mindfulness-based techniques have been shown to help: manage cancer-related pain improve sleep for Ventoxen 100mg (Venetoclax) cancer patients and survivors relieve fatigue for cancer survivors improve some symptoms of cancer cachexia4 There are a variety of mindfulness-based techniques and interventions. Mindfulness meditation is one common example that is growing in popularity. Note: Meditation may not be right for everyone, and it doesn't replace treatment. Ask your healthcare team if meditation could be a helpful practice for you, based on your medical condition and treatment plan. What Is Meditation? There are many styles and forms of meditation.



Meditation that focuses on mindfulness involves concentrating on your breath as you observe the thoughts in your mind, then let them go. Of course, that can be hard to do. Meditation and mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe, a cofounder of Headspace, compares the process to looking out on a busy road.5 The passing cars are like the thoughts and feelings we experience, he explains. While our urge might be to chase after or stop the cars, the goal is to simply watch them pass by.5 Mindfulness meditation is just one type of meditation. Meditating can also include guided visualization, repeated mantras, music, or movement like walking or slow, gentle stretching. It can be practiced alone or in a group setting. A major goal of meditation is to create a space for stillness, peace, and relaxation. When practiced regularly, meditation can help promote mindfulness in our day-to-day life. This can be especially useful during times of stress. We sometimes think of meditation and mindfulness as interchangeable.