Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Depression in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Chuntana Reangsing, Sasinun Punsuwun, Kristine Keller
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2023 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231220617 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,139 |
| Population | Women with breast cancer and depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Breast cancer Meta-analysis |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions moderately reduce depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer, with home practice assignments enhancing the effect. |
Abstract
We examined the effects of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer and examined the moderating effects of participant characteristics, research methodologies, and features of interventions. We systematically searched 12 databases through November 2022 without date restrictions using the following search terms: (mindful* or meditation) AND (cancer OR neoplasm) AND (depress*). Studies included were primary studies evaluating MBIs in women with breast cancer who also had depression. Studies were included if they used a control group and were written in English. We used a random-effects model to compute effect sizes (ESs) using Hedges' g, forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics as measure of heterogeneity. We also requested moderator analyses. We found 19 studies with 2139 participants (49.4 ± 8.3 years old) that met inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis and systematic review. Overall, women in MBI groups demonstrated significantly lower levels of depression (g = 0.48, 95% CI:0.159, 0.792, P < .001) compared to women in control groups. Regarding moderators, providing MBIs with a home assignment component showed a significantly greater effect on decreasing depressive symptoms (g = 1.75) compared to MBIs without a home assignment component (g = 0.20). When researchers used concealed allocation technique, the interventions demonstrated lower effects on depression than when concealed allocation (g = 0.11vs g = 1.33, P ≤ .001) was not reported. Additionally, when researchers reported high rates of sample attrition, they found a lower effect size on depression (β = -.019, Q = 3.97, P = .046) indicating that attrition moderates the effect. MBIs are moderately effective interventions to reduce depressive symptoms among women with breast cancer. Clinicians might consider encouraging MBIs as adjunct/alternative treatments for women with breast cancer to manage symptoms of depression. Interventions that incorporat home assignments for practicing mindfulness are likely to have a greater effect on reducing depressive symptoms. Additionally, methods including concealed allocation and attrition rate were moderators of the effects of MBIs on depression in women with breast cancer.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapies on Sexual Function, Sexual Distress, and Depression in Women: A Meta-Analysis Study. International journal of sexual health : official journal of the World Association for Sexual Health 2025
- Revitalizing Minds: Exploring the Transformative Power of Mindfulness-Based Nursing Interventions on Depression and Resilience in Oncology Patients-A Quasiexperimental Approach. International Journal of Nursing Practice April 1, 2025
- Comparative effect of different mindfulness-based intervention types and deliveries on depression in patients with breast cancer: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open August 7, 2024
- Using the Novel INDIGO Method to Explore What a Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention Should Comprise Mindfulness February 1, 2026
- Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Self-Help via an OTT Platform on Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Prospective Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. Cancer research and treatment July 1, 2025
and 6 more in the library
Cites 18
- Home practice in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of participants' mindfulness practice and its association with outcomes Behaviour Research and Therapy May 10, 2017
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on breast cancer symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis Einstein 2018
- Can Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Influence the Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression of Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer? —A Review Current Oncology October 26, 2022
- The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cancer-related fatigue in oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis PLoS One July 14, 2022
- Effect of mindfulness yoga on anxiety and depression in early breast cancer patients received adjuvant chemotherapy: a randomized clinical trial Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology July 5, 2022
and 13 more in the library