Mindful Movement for Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) may experience psychological and physical effects long after treatment is over. Some research shows that practicing mindfulness, and movement types of activities such as qi gong or yoga may lead to improvements in emotional and physical well-being, including improved immune function. Immune function can be negatively affected by stress and worry, and this has an unknown effect on the risk of cancer recurrence. Psychological and physical interventions that help enhance an individual's wellbeing and reduce stress and worry may have a positive influence on immune function and in turn, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. While there is limited research in this area, and none with dance therapy, little attention has been given to older BCS. However, understanding of immune function suggests that older women may be the best group to target for such interventions. Previous research with BCS age 50 or older who participated in a 12-week program combining mindfulness practice with dance/movement therapy (Mindful Movement Program) demonstrated positive effects: participants were more mindful in their day-to-day living and had less worry about the cancer coming back. Participants also reported through focus groups that the Mindful Movement Program (MMP) had improved their overall well-being. No laboratory tests of the body's immune response to MMP were included.

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosed at age 50 or older with stage 0-III disease
• 6 months or more since completion of primary breast cancer treatment
• have a medical release from their physician
• English-speaking
• not pregnant
• no weekly practice of yoga, qi gong, tai chi, dance/movement therapy, or mindfulness meditation practice

Exclusion criteria

• Males with breast cancer