According to this study, yoga might have a role in managing psychological distress in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.

First, the details.

• 88 stage II and III breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to receive yoga or brief supportive therapy prior to radiotherapy treatment.
• Assessments included diurnal salivary cortisol levels 3 days before and after radiotherapy.
• Self-ratings of anxiety, depression, and stress were collected before and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy.

And, the results.

• There were significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress.
• 6 AM salivary cortisol, and pooled mean cortisol in the yoga group also decreased significance compared to controls.
• There was a significant correlation between morning salivary cortisol levels and anxiety and depression.

The bottom line?
Other studies support the benefits of yoga in patients with breast cancer.

• The University of Saskatchewan reported improved quality of life and mood disturbance with yoga.
• Researchers in New York reported that yoga is associated with beneficial effects on social functioning.
• A study presented at the American Physiological Society meeting identified improved quality of life in the yoga participants.

2/5/09 20:41 JR