Therapeutic effects of yoga and mindfulness on cancer-related pain: a literature-based review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.53.70068Keywords
Oncology, mindfulness meditation, yoga, cancer pain, chronic diseases, palliative careAbstract
Purpose of research: This literature-based review was created to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in managing chronic and acute cancer-related pain.
Research materials and methods: A systematic review of literature from 2012 - 2026 across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Full-text versions of Meta-Analyses, Systematic Reviews, and Randomized Controlled Trials were included.
Basic results: The analysis demonstrates significant reductions in pain interference (how much pain interferes in daily life) and improvements in pain threshold across different groups of patients. Mind-body practices effectively down-regulate pro-inflammatory markers and salivary cortisol. Efficacy was validated in pediatric care, peripheral neuropathy, and through various cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Conclusions: Yoga and mindfulness serve as cost-effective, low-risk non-pharmacological aid that improves the quality of life (QoL) in oncology patients.
Keywords: Oncology, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Hatha Yoga, Chronic Pain, Palliative Care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tetiana Savchak, Sofiia Ivanchuk, Anhelina Kaminskaya, Aleksandra Kurek, Hubert Feretycki, Aleksandra Głowacka, Patryk Górecki, Maciej Kozicki, Aladdin Salama, Dominika Domińczak, Shafea Abdulla
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