Mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer patients: a mixed method study on what patients experience as a suitable stage to participate.
Else Bisseling, Melanie P. J. Schellekens, Ellen T M Jansen, Hanneke W M Van Laarhoven, Judith Prins, Anne E. M. Speckens
Supportive Care in Cancer October 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3714-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 64 |
| Population | Female breast cancer patients participating in MBSR |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Measures | HADS, EORTC QLQ-C30 |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Breast cancer Disease stage Timing |
| Key points | Psychological distress improved significantly among the 52 patients who completed before-and-after questionnaires. The authors argue that emotional readiness to participate in MBSR is as important as physical ability or treatment timing, and that informing patients early may strengthen autonomy and self-management skills. |
Abstract
Breast cancer is associated with high levels of psychological distress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has proven to be effective in reducing distress in cancer patients. In several studies, patients who are currently undergoing somatic anticancer treatment are excluded from participating in MBSR. Little is known about what would be the most suitable stage of disease to offer MBSR. We examined whether stage of disease facilitated and/or hindered participation in MBSR for breast cancer patients. A mixed method design was used. Self-report questionnaires on psychological distress (HADS) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered before and after MBSR. Five focus groups and three semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed with the constant comparative method in order to develop a grounded theory. Sixty-four females participated in MBSR. In 52 patients who completed the questionnaires, psychological distress improved significantly. Qualitative data showed that participating in MBSR both during and after anticancer treatment has specific advantages and disadvantages. Interestingly, being emotionally ready to take part in MBSR seems equally important as physical ability. Informing patients at an early stage seemed to strengthen autonomy and self-management skills. In contrast to the common practice to tailoring the timing of MBSR to physical impairments or demands of the anticancer treatment, our findings revealed that emotional readiness is equally important to take into account. These findings might support professionals in their choices whether and when to inform and refer patients to MBSR.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Mindfulness‐based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Psycho-Oncology September 11, 2019
- Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Uncover Insights From Breast Cancer Patients' Perceptions to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Interventions. Holistic Nursing Practice August 13, 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer with Depression and Anxiety: A Literature Review Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology February 15, 2023
- Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on rumination in patients with breast cancer. BMC Women's Health December 28, 2022
- Prospective feasibility study of a mindfulness-based program for breast cancer patients in the southeastern US. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice November 2022
and 1 more in the library
Cites 9
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- Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial comparing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with treatment as usual in reducing psychological distress in patients with lung cancer and their partners: the MILON study. BMC cancer January 3, 2014
and 4 more in the library