Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Suggested

3 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – Cancer

Suggested3 studies

Mindfulness-based stress reduction improves quality of life and reduces emotional distress in cancer patients

Three studies—an umbrella review of 21 systematic reviews, a systematic review of pediatric cancer interventions, and a non-randomized interventional study—collectively support MBSR for cancer patients. The umbrella review, synthesizing 14,430 titles across 7 databases, categorized MBSR among interventions with consistent benefit for global quality of life in cancer survivors, with strongest evidence for short-term effects across mixed tumor types and breast cancer. In the interventional study, 20 cancer patients completing a 10-week MBSR program (2.5-hour weekly sessions plus 45 minutes daily home practice) achieved statistically significant improvements in state anxiety, trait anxiety, depression, and quality of life, outperforming the psychoeducational control group. The pediatric review found small but clinically meaningful positive effects on quality of life in children ages 6–12. MBSR programs typically involve structured weekly group sessions with daily home meditation practice.

Evidence

Mindfulness Interventions for Pediatric Cancer

Authors: Fazio, Bella, Sandull, Tori, Studnitzer, Dara

Published: January 1, 2025

A PRISMA-guided systematic review analyzed studies from 2014 to 2024 evaluating mindfulness and meditation interventions for children ages 6-12 with cancer diagnoses. Of the studies reviewed, 6 met inclusion criteria with low to moderate evidence levels. Outcomes measured included quality of life, life satisfaction, well-being, and happiness. While statistically significant results were limited, mindfulness-based tools demonstrated small positive effects on quality of life measures. The review noted these small improvements hold clinical value for pediatric cancer patients and warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes.

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Review of systematic reviews of non-pharmacological interventions to improve quality of life in cancer survivors.

Authors: Bhui, K, Bourke, L, Chalder, T, Deane, J, Duncan, M, Herrington, E, Investigators, SURECAN, Jones, L, Korszun, A, Morgan, A, Moschopoulou, E, Roylance, R, Taylor, SC, Thaha, MA, White, PD

Published: November 28, 2017

Umbrella review synthesising 21 systematic reviews of randomised trials from 14,430 unique titles across 7 major databases identified MBSR as beneficial for global quality of life in cancer survivors, with strongest evidence for short-term effects. The included reviews covered mixed tumour groups (13 reviews), breast cancer (7 reviews), and prostate cancer (1 review). All included reviews targeted adults aged over 18 who had received a cancer diagnosis. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR, and narrative synthesis was performed. MBSR was categorised among psychological or behavioural interventions, alongside CBT, as showing consistent benefit.

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Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention versus a psychoeducational standard intervention in patients with cancer.

Authors: Arcusa, Àngels, Blasco, Tomás, Jovell, Esther, León, Concha, Martín, Andrés, Mirapeix, Rosanna, Seguí, Miquel Àngel

In a non-randomized interventional study, 20 cancer patients received a 10-week MBSR program (2.5-hour weekly sessions plus 45 minutes daily home practice) while 17 patients received an 8-week psychoeducational intervention. Pre-post assessment using validated instruments (STAI, BDI, EORTC-QLQ-C30) showed the MBSR group achieved statistically significant improvements in all four measured outcomes: state anxiety, trait anxiety, depression, and quality of life. The psychoeducational control group only achieved statistically significant improvement in state anxiety. MBSR produced superior reductions in emotional distress and greater quality of life gains compared to the standard psychoeducational approach.

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