Yoga Good for Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer patients undergoing radiation may benefit from yoga. Investigators found a sharp decline in cortisol levels among breast cancer patients who practiced yoga. Cortisol is a stress hormone and increased cortisol levels are associated with worse breast cancer outcomes. The study suggests that practicing yoga helps to regulate cortisol levels. Lead author Dr. Lorenzo Cohen explains, “Combining mind and body practices that are part of yoga clearly have tremendous potential to help patients manage the psychosocial and physical difficulties associated with treatment and life after cancer, beyond the benefits of simple stretching.”
Journal of Clinical Oncology, March 2014