Breast cancer patients and survivors often experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, decreased range of motion due to scar tissue and weakness. These symptoms are often the result of cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, regular exercise has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Research has shown that yoga has many physical and emotional benefits for cancer patients and survivors.
The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, which should also include strength training at least two times per week. Breast cancer patients and survivors may be extremely weak when going through treatment or recovery, so yoga has become a popular choice when trying to maintain regular exercise each week.
“Yoga is a great modality to help decrease stress, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness that can be associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment,” says certified yoga instructor, Meredith Smith. “Yoga is all about tuning into your body, reading the cues your body is sending you, helping understand when it is time to take it easy or when you can go a little further. During treatment and after surgery, the gentle movements of yoga can help stretch and move scar tissue and help maintain range of motion. It is important to listen to your body and be gentle with yourself and yoga helps with both of these aspects.”
Many cancer patients and survivors use yoga practices to help manage the emotional and psychological side effects that often result from cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. “The yoga I teach is grounded in slow movements and a focus on being present and in the moment,” explains Meredith. “Breathing is important, which is tied with the different postures and movements we do in class. Yoga helps us be more aware of our breath as well as how we are feeling physically, mentally and spiritually.”
A study published by researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that women currently receiving treatment who practiced yoga experienced better general health, less fatigue and lower stress levels compared to women in treatment who did not practice yoga.
“Breathing during yoga helps to relax the muscles and by being more present in the moment, stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional states can be diminished. The posture and focus on breath can also decrease insomnia,” says Meredith.
Free yoga classes are currently offered to survivors at Lovelace Women’s Hospital where Meredith is a certified instructor. She has been practicing and studying yoga since 2003 and is also the author of Foundations of Wellness. Drawing from her background as a diabetes and cancer educator and counselor, Meredith believes all are capable of positive transformation.
“This program is a great opportunity for women who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in New Mexico,” says Meredith. “I have seen women use yoga to help them stay centered through diagnosis and treatment, which helps them make decisions and be able to be present with their lives, increasing their sense of enjoyment.”
For more information on class dates and times, please call Lovelace Women’s Hospital Breast Care Center at 505-727-6933. Registration is not required.