The Integration of Yoga into Cancer Care
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Taylor Marshall
College:
College of Business and Public Management
Major:
Public Administration
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Jose Rojas Fernandez
Abstract:
Research Question: How can yoga be used as a coping mechanism in those undergoing cancer
treatment?
For most, receiving a cancer diagnosis will cause an influx of negative emotions such as anxiety and fear.
As the disease progresses and the patient undergoes various treatments, each visit to the oncologist can
produce feelings of stress. Yoga is an ancient practice that uses physical poses, meditation and breathing
techniques to promote wellness. The International Journal of Yoga published an article, Yoga into Cancer
Care: A Review of the Evidence-based Research, which states, “The use of complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) is significantly increasing over the years. About 38% persons in the United
States are using CAM for managing pain, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and psychological and
emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression, at the cost of approximately $40 billion.”
The integration of yoga in cancer care can elevate the patient’s physical and emotional well-being which
may translate into an overall better quality of life.