Between 30 and 40 percent of cancer patients are diagnosed with depression or anxiety. However many more could be suffering from symptoms of the conditions without it being reported to a doctor.
In a collaborative study between Aarhus University and the Danish Cancer Society, a meta-analysis was conducted on 22 studies of mindfulness-based therapy and was based on the experiences of more than 1,400 cancer patients. This is an extremely important study as it is often from these sorts of meta-analysis that evaluate the findings of numerous studies that will form the basis of National Health policy changes.
It was concluded by researchers that the study findings show that mindfulness has a clinically measurable effect on cancer patient’s mental wellbeing. It was regarded by the study authors as an effective and inexpensive therapy that can efficiently address symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. The positive impact of Mindfulness was seen both immediately after a Mindfulness session, but was also reported to last at least six months following the therapy, it was not longer than this as many of the studies in the analysis only had a 6-month follow up period.
This is an encouraging study that could be another push for mindfulness to be the treatment of choice for individuals suffering from both a clinical disease and are subsequently suffering with disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Click here to view the Introduction to Mindfulness Course.
