A new study shows that the practice of yoga can help reduce the risk of recurrence in cancer survivors.
- Inflammation increases the risk of recurrence after cancer.
- A study shows that doing yoga reduces inflammation in the body, and therefore the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Researchers recommend the practice of yoga for cancer survivors, especially hatha yoga.
After suffering from cancer, the fear of recurrence is a reality for many patients. A new study by researchers at theUniversity of Rochester Medical Center brings them hope. The practice of yoga can reduce inflammation in the body, and by domino effect the risk of recurrence.
The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of theAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology.
Cancer : yoga reduces inflammation
To reach this conclusion, the researchers followed more than 500 cancer survivors. Half of the participants followed a program of haha yoga, a form of yoga based on a precise and rhythmic practice of postures and also suitable for the sick. They had to do 75 minutes a day, twice a week for four weeks.
The other half followed a program of a similar duration giving lifestyle advice. Blood tests taken during the experiment revealed that people who did yoga had fewer markers of inflammation. However, inflammation is associated with the development and progression of cancer as well as the toxicity of treatments. This affects patient survival.
@kmustian being interviewed by the Press on the results of her Yoga Trial using the YOCAS program on inflammatory markers among survivors @ASCO #ASCO23 pic.twitter.com/JTAa7rWHJY
— Stephen Samuel PT, PhD (@DrStephen99) June 5, 2023
Recidivism : yoga could be prescribed to survivors of the cancer
Based on the results obtained, the researchers recommend the form of yoga called haha yoga to cancer survivors who suffer from inflammation. During their presentations, the authors concluded: “Our data suggest that yoga significantly reduces inflammation in cancer survivors. Clinicians should consider prescribing yoga for survivors with inflammation, which can lead to a high chronic toxicity burden and increased risk of progression, recurrence and secondary cancers“.
However, the practice of yoga for patients with cancer or in remission must be integrated into a global approach to the care of patients – the aim of which is to reduce the psychological and physical impact of the pathology – to improve their quality of life and their chance of survival. In addition to the practice of haha yoga, the study also showed that walking 30 minutes a day can help reduce their fatigue.
