What Cancer is and how yoga can be helpful for it, based on scientific studies and research.

 

Cancer is an illness in which abnormal cells in the body divide rapidly and uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors or other forms of cancerous growth. Some cancers can spread to other parts of the body, which makes them difficult to treat, and they can cause severe pain, discomfort, and even death.

Despite advances in cancer treatments, it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with more than 19 million new cases and 10 million deaths reported annually. However, complementary therapies such as yoga have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cancer patients' mental and physical health, contributing to better quality of life, and even improving some of the side effects of treatment.

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or mindfulness. It is an excellent way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve physical function, and help people cope with chronic illnesses. Several studies have assessed the benefits of yoga in cancer patients, and the results have been mostly positive.

One of the most significant ways that yoga can be useful for cancer patients is in reducing stress and anxiety. A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming and fill patients with uncertainty and fear, leading to increased psychological distress. Several studies have shown that yoga increases relaxation and reduces anxiety and depression in cancer patients, improving their quality of life. For instance, a study of breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy found that those who participated in a yoga program had lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who did not. Another study of breast cancer patients found that practicing yoga for just 12 weeks reduced both anxiety and depression symptoms.

The practice of yoga has also been shown to reduce inflammation and boost immune function, both of which are particularly relevant in cancer patients. Inflammation is a significant factor in cancer, and Yoga's immune boost can improve outcomes during treatment. For example, a study of men with prostate cancer found that practicing yoga for six months reduced inflammation levels in their bodies. Another study of breast cancer survivors found that those who practiced yoga had higher levels of natural killer cells, the immune system's first line of defense against cancer cells.

Yoga can also help alleviate specific symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances. Cancer patients can experience fatigue due to the disease itself or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, studies have shown that practicing yoga can significantly reduce fatigue levels in cancer patients. One study found that cancer patients who participated in restorative yoga sessions reported significantly lower fatigue levels than those who did not. Another study found that breast cancer patients who attended a six-week yoga program reported reduced fatigue levels.

Moreover, Yoga therapy can help cancer patients cope with pain. The physical postures and meditation in yoga can be helpful in decreasing cancer pain, as well as the pain linked to cancer treatment. A study suggests that practicing yoga decreases pain severity in cancer patients.

Another specific symptom that can be improved with yoga is poor sleep. Studies show that poor sleep is prevalent among cancer patients, and it can impact their quality of life. Yoga postures and breathing practices can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality in cancer patients. One study found that a six-week yoga program led to significant improvements in sleep quality in breast cancer survivors.

Yoga has also been shown to improve physical function in cancer patients. Cancer treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy can cause physical limitations and a reduction in muscle strength. However, practicing yoga can help restore muscle strength, flexibility, and overall physical function in cancer patients. A study of women with advanced breast cancer found that a 12-week yoga program led to significant improvements in muscle strength and upper body endurance.

In conclusion, Cancer is a complex illness that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. While yoga should not be used as a substitute for necessary medical treatment, the scientific evidence suggests that yoga can be a valuable complementary therapy in cancer patients. The benefits of practicing yoga are numerous and include reductions in stress, anxiety, and inflammation, improved immune function, alleviation of cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, pain and sleep disturbances, and improvements in physical function. Therefore, a yoga program tailored to cancer patients' specific needs can be beneficial for those undergoing cancer treatment.