Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Quality of Life among Oral Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with oral cancer representing a significant portion of head and neck cancers. It disproportionately affects developing nations, including Pakistan, where it is the second most common cancer. Oral cancer patients often endure treatment-related side effects, leading to reduced quality of life. Evidence suggests that mindfulness interventions, particularly mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, can improve quality of life by addressing psychological distress and promoting emotional resilience.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in improving the quality of life of oral cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Methods: The literature review used various electronic databases: PubMed, Academia, Science Direct, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA flowchart approach documented the literature review process. We included 26 out of 294 studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria in the final review, which included the last five years, and researched the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive treatment on quality of life among oral cancer patients. Data were synthesized using quantitative methodologies to identify similar findings across studies.

Results: Research indicates that mindfulness-based cognitive treatment significantly improves the quality of life for oral cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Conclusions: It was concluded that these findings provide baseline data for this study highlighting the significant impact of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on improving the quality of life for patients with oral cancer receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy.