The Impact of Yoga on Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review

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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Published

2024-04-30

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 4 (2024): International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga (April)2024

Section

Review Article

How to Cite

Giridharan, S., Shanbhag, N., & Pandiyan, B. (2024). The Impact of Yoga on Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review . International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga, 7(4), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2024.70411
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