Study Finds Yoga May Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors

A study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center has found that a four-week yoga program may enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors. The randomized trial involved 410 adult cancer survivors, primarily breast cancer patients, who participated in either standard survivorship care or standard care plus the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program. Participants in the yoga group attended two 75-minute sessions each week, which included Gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness training. Results indicated that those in the yoga group reported moderate-to-large reductions in mood disturbances, small-to-medium reductions in anxiety, and medium-to-large reductions in fatigue. The improvements in mood and fatigue were associated with enhanced sleep quality. The study, presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in Chicago, did not report any major safety concerns related to the yoga practice. However, the researchers noted that the findings are preliminary and have not yet undergone peer review. The study's limitations include a homogeneous sample, with most participants being women and breast cancer patients. Future research is planned to adapt the intervention for a broader range of cancer patients and survivors.