Mind-Body Interventions for People With Cancer: Evidence, Innovation, and Implementation.
Seminars in radiation oncology July 1, 2026 Hanna S W Conradi, Jamie N Petersson, Julie M Deleemans et al. 1 citation
Many people with cancer experience persistent psychological and physical challenges such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, sleep problems, fear of recurrence, cognitive issues, and reduced quality of life. Mind-body interventions, which target the connection between mental and physical processes, are increasingly used alongside standard cancer care. This review examines evidence for interventions including mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, qigong, relaxation, hypnosis, music therapy, acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy, as well as emerging approaches like psychedelic therapy and nature-based interventions. It summarizes target symptoms, treatment timing, and evidence quality, and calls for more rigorous research, understanding of mechanisms, and broader access across diverse populations and all stages of cancer care.