Mindfulness meditation for younger breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29194
• Publication Date: 2014-12-23T15:44:37Z
• Authors: Julienne E. Bower; Alexandra D. Cros...; Annette L. Stanton; Catherine M. Crespi; Diana Winston; Jesusa Arevalo; Jeffrey Ma; Steve W. Cole; Patricia A. Ganz
• Keywords: Depression

BACKGROUND Premenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer are at risk for psychological and behavioral disturbances after treatment. Targeted interventions needed to address the needs of this vulnerable group. METHODS This randomized trial provided first evaluation a brief, mindfulness‐based intervention younger survivors designed reduce stress, depression, inflammatory activity. Women early stage or before age 50 who had completed treatment were randomly assigned 6‐week Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPS) group (n = 39) wait‐list control 32). Participants questionnaires assess stress depressive symptoms (primary outcomes) as well physical symptoms, cancer‐related distress, positive outcomes. Blood samples collected examine genomic circulating markers inflammation. also 3‐month follow‐up assessment. RESULTS In linear mixed models, MAPS led significant reductions in perceived ( P .004) marginal .094), proinflammatory gene expression .009) signaling .001) postintervention. Improvements secondary outcomes included reduced fatigue, sleep disturbance, vasomotor increased peace meaning affect < .05 all). Intervention effects on measures not maintained assessment, although distress observed that CONCLUSIONS A demonstrated preliminary short‐term efficacy reducing survivors. Cancer 2015;121:1231–1240. © 2014 American Society .