New Guidelines Offer Hope for Better Mental Health in Cancer Care
Two leading oncology organizations, the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), have issued guidelines recommending mindfulness and other holistic therapies for managing anxiety and depression in adults with cancer.
The recommendations come after a thorough review of existing studies and are aimed at improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions Get the Nod
The guidelines strongly recommend mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), which involve techniques like meditation, stress reduction, and mindful movement, for treating both anxiety and depression in people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.
“Mindfulness-based interventions not only help manage patients’ emotional symptoms but also give them a sense of control during what is often a very challenging time,” said Scott T. Tagawa, a medical expert in the field.
The guidelines were developed by experts in various medical disciplines, including oncology, behavioral medicine, and patient advocacy.
They evaluated the available evidence from clinical trials and then reached a consensus on the most effective therapies for managing anxiety and depression in cancer patients.
Other Therapies Also Recognized
Besides mindfulness, the guidelines also suggest that other therapies like music therapy, relaxation, and reflexology could help.
Yoga was recommended especially for breast cancer patients, although it was highlighted that yoga could benefit people with various types of cancer.
“This does not mean yoga is only for women with breast cancer. Research shows it can help others too, and we need more studies to prove it,” explained Linda E. Carlson, Ph.D., President of SIO.
How This Helps Patients and Healthcare Providers
The guidelines serve as a resource for both healthcare providers and patients, offering them practical tools and recommendations for incorporating these therapies into cancer care.
The aim is to help people living with cancer become more actively involved in their own treatment decisions. Both SIO and ASCO have also provided additional resources and tools on their websites for easy access.
“These guidelines make it easier for patients to discuss these kinds of therapies with their doctors, making their care more holistic and patient-centered,” said Julia Rowland, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the SIO-ASCO guideline.
Future Research and Considerations
The panel was careful in making their recommendations, highlighting areas that need further research.
While some therapies were not endorsed in the guidelines, this doesn’t mean they are ineffective; it simply indicates that more evidence is needed.
For example, more studies are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of natural health products.
“The goal is to inform as many people and clinicians as possible about the best treatments for those suffering from anxiety and depression symptoms,” concluded Dr. Carlson.
Overall, these new guidelines serve as a significant step in recognizing the role of mindfulness and other integrative therapies in enhancing the mental well-being of cancer patients.
As a result, patients now have more options and resources for managing the emotional challenges that often come with a cancer diagnosis.
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The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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