The Impact of Yoga on Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review

S Giridharan; Nandan Shanbhag; Bhuvana Pandiyan

doi:10.48165/IRJAY.2024.70411

Authors

S Giridharan Consultant Oncologist, Tawam Hospitals, Al Ain, UAE. Author
Nandan Shanbhag Specialist Physician (Oncology), Palliative Care, Tawam Hospitals, Al Ain, UAE. Author
Bhuvana Pandiyan Specialist, Department of Psychiatry, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Hereford, UK. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2024.70411

Keywords:

Cancer Care, Cancer Survivorship, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health, Psychosocial Well-being, Quality of Life, Yoga

Abstract

Background: As cancer survival rates improve, survivors face numerous physical and psychological challenges. Yoga, an ancient practice integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health, has shown potential in alleviating cancer treatment-related symptoms and enhancing overall health. Methods: This scoping review conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, focusing on randomized trials that assessed yoga’s effects on cancer survivors post-treatment. The review spanned studies published between 2018 and 2022, emphasizing physical and psychosocial benefits. Results: Eight randomized trials were identified, demonstrating yoga’s diverse benefits across physical and psychological dimensions. Significant findings include reductions in depression, improvements in shoulder mobility, pain, and anxiety, management of cancer-related fatigue, sleep quality, and modulation of inflammatory cytokine profiles, suggesting holistic benefits in managing cancer side effects. Conclusion: Yoga presents a holistic, low-risk intervention that significantly improves quality of life, manages fatigue, and supports psychological well-being in cancer survivors. Future research should investigate yoga’s therapeutic potential and develop personalized interventions for survivors’ recovery and long-term well-being.

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