I came across an interesting article in my local newspaper. Several cancer patients I know have done yoga.




Report finds that yoga helps cancer patients

By Milton Carrero, OF THE MORNING CALL

6:34 p.m. EST, January 17, 2011

mc-yoga-chemotherapy-20110117



Everybody is aware of the physical pain associated with cancer, but its psychological and emotional repercussions are a little less known.

While chemotherapy treatments have gotten stronger and more effective, the psychological side effects of fighting this disease are usually put on the back burner.

But according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual report on progress against cancer, those who add palliative care, like yoga, to their chemotherapy treatment live longer and better than those who focus strictly on their physical well-being.

Researchers found that more than three-quarters of patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from insomnia � that's nearly three times the rate found in the general population. Patients who suffer from insomnia are also more likely to suffer from fatigue and depression.

But the symptoms don't necessarily end with the chemotherapy treatment. At least 65 percent of cancer survivors continue to report sleep problems after treatment ends. While the body might be healed, the emotional scars remain and must be addressed.

A study designed for cancer survivors found that a four-week yoga program helped them sleep better, experience less fatigue and improved their quality of life. Also, a recent trial found that a telephone-based care management program delivered by a nurse with a physician and psychiatrist consultation, improved pain and depression.

These studies deal with the fact that many cancer patients are not only fighting to stay alive, they are also struggling to maintain their quality of life. And the latter could be as vital as the first.

themorningcall.com/healthblog

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile