Research Validates the Use of Mind-Body Techniques Such as Meditation and Music in Addressing Anxiety Linked to Cancer
Integrative Oncology: A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care
Integrative oncology is a patient-centered care model that combines conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies. This approach aims to improve the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of cancer patients, manage symptoms and treatment side effects, and enhance quality of life while supporting the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) convened an expert panel that made the recommendations for integrative oncology. This holistic approach is specifically designed for cancer patients and emphasizes lifestyle changes and mind-body practices.
Key points about integrative medicine for cancer include:
- Complementary, not alternative: Integrative medicine therapies are used alongside—not instead of—standard cancer treatments.
- Mind-body and body-based therapies: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage help manage pain, nausea, stress, and other side effects.
- Lifestyle and whole-person care: Incorporates nutrition optimization, exercise, sleep support, and social environment management to improve overall health and treatment tolerance.
- Evidence-based and safe use: Emphasizes therapies that are supported by clinical evidence and stresses the importance of coordination with the oncology care team to avoid risks, especially from supplements or certain therapies that might interfere with treatment.
- Improves outcomes: Integrative approaches can lead to fewer side effects, better quality of life, and greater likelihood of completing cancer treatment successfully.
A new set of national guidelines recommends the use of mind-body techniques, including mindfulness meditation, for cancer patients to manage anxiety and depression during and after treatment. These guidelines were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. More than 40% of individuals with cancer report anxiety or depression associated with the diagnosis, which may lead to a reduced quality of life.
Evidence shows that mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation, are the most effective therapies for cancer-related anxiety and depression. A clinical trial evaluating music therapy for breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment is currently open. However, the study found that supplements were not recommended due to inconclusive scientific data and potential harmful interactions with cancer medications.
Despite widespread acceptance of integrative oncology, roadblocks do exist, such as a lack of understanding by some doctors and distance to services. At Wilmot Cancer Institute, virtual resources are available to everyone, and integrative oncology services are free to all cancer patients, thanks to support from the Pluta Cancer Center Foundation. An on-site location at Wilmot's Pluta Cancer Center provides professional nutrition advice, massage, and other services.
Alissa Huston, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, was part of the national team that reviewed scientific data and made the recommendations. Alissa Huston practices at Wilmot's Pluta location in Henrietta and is co-medical director of the Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center.
For cancer patients in the 27-county upstate New York region served by Wilmot, the integrative oncology and wellness center is available cost-free. This holistic approach to cancer care is a testament to the institution's commitment to treating the whole person and addressing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer and its treatment.
References:
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Integrative Oncology. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-oncology
- Society for Integrative Oncology. (2021). About SIO. Retrieved from https://www.sio.org/about-sio
- Wilmot Cancer Institute. (2021). Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center. Retrieved from https://www.wilmotcancerinstitute.org/integrative-oncology-and-wellness-center
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Integrative Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/integrative-medicine
- The Society for Integrative Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology emphasize that integrative oncology therapies, such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, are complementary to, not alternatives for, standard cancer treatments.
- A clinical trial is currently underway to evaluate music therapy as a complementary treatment for breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.
- Integrative oncology approaches, which also incorporate nutrition optimization, exercise, and social environment management, can lead to fewer side effects, better quality of life, and a higher likelihood of completing cancer treatment successfully.
- In the realm of mental health, evidence shows that mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation, are the most effective therapies for managing anxiety and depression in cancer patients.
