Positive Health Online

Abstract

BILC and COLLEAGUES, (1)Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital, Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; (2)Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany; (3)National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia; (4)Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. Holger.Cramer@med.uni-tuebingen.de; (5)Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health, Bosch Health Campus, Stuttgart, Germany. Holger.Cramer@med.uni-tuebingen.de ; (6)National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia. Holger.Cramer@med.uni-tuebingen.de .conducted a qualitative study to explore breast cancer survivors' experiences and effects of a yoga and meditation

Background

Breast cancer survivors commonly experience menopausal symptoms, specifically when undergoing anti-hormonal therapy. Unfortunately, they often have a restricted range of treatment options available to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore breast cancer survivors' experiences and effects of a yoga and meditation intervention supplementing previously reported RCT outcomes.

Methodology

The qualitative data included in this study were part of a larger randomized controlled trial which evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 12-week yoga and meditation intervention on menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. All participants who underwent the yoga intervention (n = 19) were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews after all quantitative data collection had been completed. Interviews (n = 9) were recorded, transcribed, and then coded into superordinate themes using thematic analysis.

Results

Nine female participants were interviewed, and the following themes emerged: (1) representations and expectations from the yoga intervention; (2) course structure and implementation; (3) perceptions and effects of the intervention (at emotional, physical, behavioral, and spiritual level); (4) differences between the study yoga intervention and other physical activities.

Conclusion

In accordance with the accounts of participants, yoga might offer a promising intervention for breast cancer survivors. All those interviewed either currently attended a yoga class or expressed a desire to continue practicing yoga. Additionally, our findings inform future studies regarding aspects such as the importance of extending outcome measures beyond specific cancer-related complaints, the advantages of addressing homogenous groups (i.e., breast cancer specific), or considering that different intervention components might need different assistance to encourage long-term use. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no competing interests.

References

Bilc M(1)(2), Pollmann N(1)(2), Buchholz A(1)(2), Lauche R(3), Cramer H(4)(5)(6). Yoga and meditation for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study exploring participants' experiences. Support Care Cancer;32(7):413. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08603-2 . 6 Jun 2024.

Comment

The above research data suggests that yoga may offer a promising intervention for breast cancer survivors and considers yoga and/or different intervention components may help to encourage long-term use.