From OncoLog, March 2004, Vol. 49, No. 3
House Call: Mind-Body Approaches for Patients with Cancer
Popular theories abound about what role the mind plays in cancer. At one end of the spectrum are those who claim that cancer develops as a response to stress and that it can even be cured by the mind. At the other end are those who believe that a patient’s state of mind has no effect at all on the outcome of cancer treatment.
Although
extremely stressful events such as the death of a spouse can alter the
function of the body’s immune system, there is no scientific evidence
that these stress-induced changes in the immune system cause cancer, according
to the National Cancer Institute. There is, however, evidence that the
mind has a part to play in the health of the body.
It is not clear exactly how a person’s mental state affects the
cancer process, but the way a patient copes mentally and emotionally with
the disease is vitally important. The body processes controlled by the
nervous system can “plausibly affect resistance to cancer,”
according to an article quoted on M. D. Anderson Cancer Center’s
Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources (CIMER) Web site
(www.mdanderson.org/cimer). These processes include a person’s behavior
(for example, adherence to cancer treatment) as well as the hormonal,
immune, and autonomic nervous systems. Therefore, comprehensive medical
care “must take into account not only the biological dimensions
of an illness but also the psychological and social factors that affect
the whole person,” according to Dr. David Spiegel in a New England
Journal of Medicine editorial. Dr. Spiegel also wrote, “Curing
cancer may not be a question of mind over matter, but mind does matter.”
In fact, several complementary therapies are mind-body approaches that
help patients manage symptoms, improve the effectiveness of their treatment,
and increase their overall health and sense of well-being. These therapies
are not cures. Instead they complement, or add to, the patient’s
medical treatment.
Some common mind-body practices include the following:
Support groups
In these
groups, patients with cancer can discuss their feelings and concerns with
other patients. A support group can meet in person, online, or via telephone.
Some research indicates that participation in cancer support groups can
reduce pain and ease distress.
Meditation
Meditation
comes in many forms, but most involve concentrating on one’s breathing
or on a visual experience or silently repeating a word or phrase or certain
physical postures or movements to release stress and free the mind from
worries. For optimal results, meditation should be practiced once or twice
a day for 10 to 20 minutes. The benefits to patients with cancer can include
diminished pain, reduced stress hormone levels, improved immune function,
and improved mood.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis
is a state of focused attention. It is similar to sleep, except that the
patient is alert and in control but deeply relaxed and open to suggestion.
Hypnosis is usually performed by a hypnotist, but people can learn to
hypnotize themselves. The American Cancer Society endorses hypnotherapy
for reducing pain and stress and promoting relaxation.
Yoga
An ancient Hindu practice that includes breathing exercises, body postures,
and sometimes meditation, yoga helps patients to relax and gain control
of their bodies and minds. It also has been shown to relieve pain and
anxiety associated with cancer and to improve immune system function.
While these and other mind-body techniques are helpful for most people,
some may be harmful to specific patients. Before beginning any complementary
therapy, patients should be sure to check with their cancer care team.
For more information on this topic or for questions about M. D. Anderson’s treatments, programs, or services, call askMDAnderson at (877) MDA-6789.
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