Role of yoga across the cancer care continuum: From diagnosis through survivorship

Objective: To review the effects of yoga as an adjunct supportive care modality alongside conventional cancer treatment on quality of life (QOL), physical and mental health outcomes, and physiological and biological measures of cancer survivors. Methods: Nonsystematic review of the literature. Results: Yoga therapy, one of the most frequently used mind-body modalities, has been studied extensively in cancer survivors (from the time of diagnosis through long-term recovery). Yoga affects human physiology on multiple levels, including psychological outcomes, immune and endocrine function, and cardiovascular parameters, as well as multiple areas of QOL. It has been found to reduce psychological stress and fatigue and improve QOL in cancer patients and survivors. Yoga has also been used to manage symptoms such as arthralgia, fatigue, and insomnia. In addition, yoga offers benefits not only for cancer survivors but also for their caregivers. Conclusion: As part of an integrative, evidence-informed approach to cancer care, yoga may provide benefits that support the health of cancer survivors and caregivers.