Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Taiwan, and, with early detection and treatment, the 5-year survival rate can exceed 90%. However, supporting survivors in achieving a high quality of life post-treatment remains a significant challenge. Research shows that breast cancer survivors often have unmet needs, particularly concerning social support, fears about cancer recurrence, and the ability to engage in daily activities. Our prior survey on these needs also found that survivors who have completed treatment are more inclined than those still undergoing treatment to participate in activities where they can share cancer experiences and self-care practices. Such activities help them expand their social networks and establish support systems, reducing the impact of their cancer experience.
Approach: Studies suggest that yoga can enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. To address this, in October 2023, we collaborated with a breast cancer support group and held discussions with survivors to design a yoga program tailored to their needs. This led to the development of a mindfulness yoga program specifically for breast cancer survivors. Mindfulness yoga combines yoga stretching exercises with principles of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), focusing not only on physical exercise but also on self-awareness, body awareness, and emotional regulation. This integration enables participants to strengthen their physical activity and self-care practices, while mindfulness-based techniques help alleviate cancer-related anxieties. Additionally, the group setting and shared experiences foster social support, addressing multiple unmet needs. Six breast cancer survivors participated in the program, with each session led by a certified mindfulness yoga instructor. Participants engaged in guided yoga stretches, with verbal cues prompting them to observe their bodily sensations, and concluded each session with a meditation to promote self-reflection on their relationship with their cancer experience. Following the program, a survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of mindfulness yoga.
Results: Survey results showed that participants felt mindfulness yoga was beneficial in improving self-care for managing breast cancer-related stress. Group sessions also promoted social connections, with 83.3% of participants stating that they met other breast cancer survivors and shared their personal experiences. All participants (100%) gained insights into how others maintained a high quality of life, and all expressed a desire to continue participating in similar activities. Enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors has long been a priority in supportive care.
Implications: This program strengthened participants’ social support networks and daily functioning, helping them manage cancer recurrence fears through self-reflection. Ultimately, it contributed positively to their physical and emotional well-being. Moving forward, it will be essential to continue offering mindfulness yoga and exploring diverse supportive care activities to further support breast cancer survivors in reintegrating into healthy, fulfilling lives.