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Alternative Medicine Alternative Medicine - Treatment

The Benefits of Yoga for Breast Cancer Patients

Summary & Participants

Yoga offers physical as well as emotional benefits for women with breast cancer.

Medically Reviewed On: August 01, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: The women in this yoga class share an unusual bond – like Carol, they’ve all battled breast cancer.

CAROL, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR: There is just something different about being in this class, knowing that other people had gone through the same thing with me.

ANNOUNCER: A recent scientific study out of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas confirms what women like these have known for years – that yoga increases physical function and improves the overall health of breast cancer patients.

CAROL, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR: With each class I just feel that I am getting stronger and more flexible and stretching out. And then the whole emotional side, the whole breathing and just helping me remain calm through a lot of stressful periods of time.

ANNOUNCER: Yoga combines meditation with controlled breathing, stretching and movement. Classes like this are tailored to meet the needs of breast cancer survivors.

SUSAN HERMAN, YOGA INSTRUCTOR: This was designed not just to be a gentle yoga class, but a yoga class for people who may have lots of limitations in their upper bodies

ANNOUNCER: Studies with lymphoma patients also show that practicing yoga can ease cancer-related sleep problems. But these women see a variety of other benefits too.

CAROL, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR: I’ve made friends here. It has really helped to be with people that have gone through the same thing.

ANNOUNCER: Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.