Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – Breast Cancer

Suggested2 studies

Mindfulness-based stress reduction improves mood and quality of life in breast cancer survivors

Two RCTs involving 386 breast cancer patients demonstrate that 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction programs improve psychological well-being after treatment. In 229 women with stage 0–III breast cancer, MBSR produced statistically significant improvements in total mood disturbance, breast-specific quality of life (FACT-B), endocrine symptom quality of life (FACT-ES), and WHO-5 well-being scores compared to standard care, with benefits persisting at 3-month follow-up. A second trial of 157 non-metastatic patients found a moderate reduction in perceived stress (Cohen d = 0.46, p = 0.024) from a body-mind-spirit intervention incorporating mindfulness meditation, though anxiety and depression improvements were not significant. Standard protocol involves weekly 2-hour sessions over 8 weeks. The strongest evidence supports MBSR for mood improvement and quality of life enhancement in post-treatment breast cancer patients, with more modest effects on stress reduction alone.

Evidence

Randomized controlled trial of supportive-expressive group therapy and body-mind-spirit intervention for Chinese non-metastatic breast cancer patients

Authors: Chan, CLW, Fong, TCT, Ho, RTH, Ho, SMY, Lee, PWH, Leung, PPY, Lo, PHY, Spiegel, D

Published: January 1, 2016

In a three-arm RCT of 157 non-metastatic breast cancer patients, body-mind-spirit (BMS) intervention incorporating qigong, acupressure, breathing exercises, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation resulted in a marginally significant moderate reduction in perceived stress compared to control (Cohen d = 0.46, p = 0.024). Overall group difference for perceived stress was marginally significant (χ²(2) = 5.70, p = 0.058). BMS did not significantly improve anxiety or depression (d < 0.20, p > 0.05). Sessions were 2 hours weekly for 8 weeks. The study concluded that participants derived only modest benefits in psychological well-being from either intervention.

View Source →

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in mood, breast- and endocrine-related quality of life, and well-being in stage 0 to III breast cancer : a randomized, controlled trial

Authors: Ersser, Steven J., Harrington, Julia E., Hoffman, Caroline J., Hopkinson, Jane B., Nicholls, Peter G., Thomas, Peter W.

Published: March 20, 2012

A randomized, wait-listed controlled trial of 229 women with stage 0 to III breast cancer who had completed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were assigned to an 8-week MBSR program or standard care. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the MBSR group compared to controls at both 8 and 12 weeks for POMS total mood disturbance (including anxiety, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion subscales), FACT-B (breast-specific quality of life), FACT-ES (endocrine symptom quality of life including physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being subscales), and WHO-5 well-being scores. Benefits persisted at the 3-month follow-up assessment, demonstrating durable improvements in both emotional and physical adverse effects of prior medical treatments.

View Source →