Using mindfulness-based stress reduction to relieve loneliness, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Junye Yu, Mingyue Han, Fengru Miao, Dan Hua
Medicine September 15, 2023 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034917 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,072 |
| Population | Cancer patients (most with breast cancer) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 6 to 8 weeks intervention, follow-up from 6 to 53 weeks |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Citations | 26 |
| Key findings | MBSR significantly improved loneliness, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients compared to standard care. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been suggested as an effective mind-body approach for relieving stress in patients with chronic diseases. As of yet, there is no conclusive research on MBSR's role in reducing affective disorders among cancer patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether MBSR has an impact on loneliness, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from the start of these databases to January 2nd, 2022 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. Two authors independently conducted the literature search, collected the data, and performed the statistical analysis. In order to account for potential between-study heterogeneity, a random-effect model was used in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 16 studies with 2072 cancer patients. Among the 16 studies, 13 included patients with breast cancer, and the follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 53 weeks. Compared to controls receiving standard cancer care, interventions of MBSR with sessions for 6 to 8 weeks significantly improved loneliness (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.59 to -0.12, P = .003, I2 = 46%), anxiety (SMD: -0.51, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.30, P < .001, I2 = 77%), and depression (SMD: -0.61, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.20, P = .004, I2 = 94%) in patients with cancer. According to recent research, MBSR may be beneficial to patients diagnosed with cancer who are feeling lonely, anxious, or depressed.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Linking Qualitative Mindfulness Reflections During MBSR to Meaningful Improvement in PROMIS Scores in a Young Adult Cancer Survivor Sample: The Role of Bodily Awareness. Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology May 20, 2026
- The Experience of Shared Meditation Involving People With Cancer, Health Professionals and Third Persons: A Qualitative Focus-Group Study Integrative Cancer Therapies April 1, 2026
- Mindfulness-based interventions for pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients receiving palliative care: a meta-analysis. Journal of Research in Nursing February 26, 2026
- Development of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Hematologic Malignancy Patients: A Delphi Study. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2026
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduces parenting anxiety and enhances quality of life in patients with breast cancer. World Journal of Psychiatry December 19, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 18
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Intervention for Healthy Individuals Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine July 22, 2014
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for medical students: a narrative review Canadian Medical Education Journal March 31, 2021
- Association of Mindfulness-Based Interventions With Anxiety Severity in Adults With Cancer JAMA Network Open August 1, 2020
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group Counseling on Psychological and Inflammatory Responses of the Women With Breast Cancer Integrative Cancer Therapies 2020
- Mindfulness based stress reduction provides psychological benefit and restores immune function of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: A randomized trial with active control. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity August 1, 2019
and 13 more in the library