Mindfulness‐based stress reduction and cognitive function among breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Alicia Duval, Christopher G. Davis, Eve-Ling Khoo, Heather Romanow, Yaad Shergill, D. Rice, Andra M. Smith, Patricia A Poulin, B. Collins
Cancer April 6, 2022 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34209 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Breast cancer survivors with neuropathic pain |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBSR may improve cognitive outcomes in breast cancer survivors, suggesting a potential benefit for cancer-related cognitive impairment. |
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) survivors frequently report changes in cognition after chemotherapy. Mindfulness may benefit survivors by mitigating cancer‐related cognitive impairment. As part of a larger study investigating the effects of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) for BC survivors living with neuropathic pain, the authors assessed whether MBSR would have an effect on cognitive outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- The impact of mindfulness on cancer‐related cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints Cancer January 10, 2023
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on cognitive impairment in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2025
- Improving Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Patients With an Online Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction-A Randomized Controlled Trial. Psycho-Oncology August 2026
- Effects of Mindfulness Training on Depression and Cognition in Older People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Journal of The American Geriatrics Society October 6, 2025
- A Randomized Clinical Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Among Breast Cancer Survivors Post-Treatment: Evaluating Mediators of Cognitive Improvement. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine April 1, 2025
and 4 more in the library
Cites 7
- A Systematic Review: Mindfulness Intervention for Cancer-Related Pain. Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing April 1, 2019
- Cognitive effects of MBSR/MBCT: A systematic review of neuropsychological outcomes. Consciousness and Cognition October 2016
- Examination of Broad Symptom Improvement Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology August 20, 2016
- The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychosocial outcomes and quality of life in early-stage breast cancer patients: a randomized trial. Breast cancer research and treatment January 2012
- Does mindfulness training improve cognitive abilities? A systematic review of neuropsychological findings. Clinical Psychology Review December 1, 2010
and 2 more in the library