A shortened, four-week version of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) reduced pain and psychological distress—including depression, anxiety, and stress—and improved equanimity, hope, and post-traumatic growth in women with Stage I-III breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. In a randomized trial with 42 women, those receiving MiCBT showed large reductions in pain, depression, anxiety, and stress compared with a treatment-as-usual group, along with gains in equanimity, hope, and post-traumatic growth. These benefits persisted at a two-month follow-up. The findings suggest that a brief MiCBT program can improve daily experiences during chemotherapy, though larger studies with active control groups are needed.
Both Tai Chi and mindful yoga are feasible and acceptable for people with advanced cancer, with attendance rates above 86% and high satisfaction. Compared to a control group that received only written exercise guidelines, Tai Chi and mindful yoga led to preliminary reductions in depression and improvements in balance that lasted 12 weeks after the programs ended. Mindful yoga also showed additional enhancements in mindfulness and spiritual well-being at the 24-week follow-up. Qualitative interviews revealed themes that may explain these improvements. A large-scale trial is needed to confirm the findings.