EFFECTIVENESS OF MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTIONS ON CHRONIC PAIN REDUCTION IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

This narrative review synthesizes evidence on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), including mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, for chronic pain in breast cancer patients and survivors. The authors report that MBIs show promise in reducing pain intensity and improving pain-related psychosocial outcomes, though they note limitations in existing research, such as variability in study designs and outcome measures. They propose that MBIs offer a valuable non-pharmacological complement to standard pain management, but call for more rigorous trials to establish definitive efficacy and optimal protocols.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is one of the most debilitating and prevalent sequelae affecting breast cancer patients and survivors. Pharmacological strategies, while effective for acute management, frequently carry limitations in the context of long-term use, including adverse effects and inadequate control of pains psychosocial dimensions. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)-structured programs rooted in non-judgmental present-moment awareness-have gained considerable research attention as integrative, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management in oncology. Objective: This narrative review synthesizes existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of MBIs, particularly mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), in reducing chronic pain among breast cancer patients and survivors. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Psyc INFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published through 2024, reporting pain outcomes in breast cancer populations receiving MBI.