Science Prefers Meditation and Music for Cancer-Related Anxiety

The use of mind-body practices, particularly mindfulness meditation, is advised for cancer patients as part of a new set of national guidelines to lessen their symptoms of anxiety and despair both during and after treatment.

Additionally, “integrative oncology” therapies including as yoga, hypnosis, acupuncture, and music therapy had sufficient evidence to be recommended to patients. Researchers noted that while less strong evidence supported the use of other approaches, such as inhaling lavender essential oils during cancer-related medical procedures, they would still be safe to use and might even have some benefits.

Alissa Huston, MD, associate professor of medicine and hematology/oncology at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, was a member of a national panel that analyzed scientific evidence and offered recommendations based on findings from clinical studies.

The Journal of Clinical Oncology just released the recommendations.

“It’s so exciting to have these tools to utilize—and to have the scientific evidence to back up what works for anxiety and depression in people with cancer,” said Huston, who practices mostly at Wilmot’s Pluta location in Henrietta, and is co-medical director of the Pluta Integrative Oncology and Wellness Center.

“Now, we have evidence-based guidelines for mind-body therapies, similar to what we use to guide other treatments for cancer,” Huston said. “This will help our patients with decision-making, and we can educate them about what is effective and safe.”

According to Huston, more than 40% of cancer patients experience anxiety or sadness after receiving their diagnosis, which may result in a lower quality of life.

She analyzed 110 studies on integrative oncology therapies with co-authors. The expert panel was organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO).

One intriguing finding of the study was that supplements were not advised.

Huston noted that while many cancer patients use supplements for anxiety, there is conflicting scientific evidence to support their safety, and some studies have found that they may interact negatively with cancer drugs. She advised individuals to discuss all vitamins and supplements they are taking openly with their doctors.

Integrative medicine: what is it?

It’s a developing area that caters treatment to a patient’s symptoms and demands by integrating well-researched complementary therapies with well-researched conventional medicine. Integrative oncology, which focuses on cancer specifically, stresses dietary adjustments and mind-body techniques that can be utilized in conjunction with cancer treatment.

The integrative oncology and wellness facility at Wilmot is accessible to all Wilmot patients in the 27-county upstate New York region it serves, free of charge. This makes Wilmot relatively unique.

Numerous services are accessible online (see a class schedule with a Zoom link) or via a digital video library that patients can access at home. Depending on whether a patient is undergoing active treatment or has finished it, the on-site location at Wilmot’s Pluta Cancer Center offers an exercise area, professional dietary counseling, massage therapy, and other services.

According to Huston, there is an ongoing clinical trial looking at music therapy for breast cancer patients getting radiotherapy. Patients might inquire about their eligibility from their oncologists.

Despite integrative oncology’s widespread acceptance, the national survey found that there are still obstacles.

• Since the SIO-ASCO guidelines have been peer-reviewed and published, it is possible that some doctors’ lack of comprehension will diminish.
• For patients, travel time to services is a common issue. But everyone has access to virtual resources at Wilmot. (See the links up top.)
• Insurance may not always pay for integrative oncology services. However, Wilmot offers all cancer patients free care as a result of funding from the Pluta Cancer Center Foundation.

The most effective treatments for anxiety and despair brought on by cancer, according to the evidence, are mindfulness-based approaches like meditation. Huston said that anyone can use these coping mechanisms when confronted with challenging circumstances, such as while waiting for scan results in a doctor’s office.

Take slow, deep breaths and concentrate on positive affirmations or phrases that have a spiritual meaning, such as “peace” or lines from a beloved prayer, or “I am getting better every day,” to silence negative thoughts and promote calmness. Click here to read more about meditation.

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