Study: Yoga May Help Increase Energy in Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer survivors often experience fatigue after treatment, sometimes for the rest of their lives. There is no real explanation for the phenomenon, or a well-studied treatment protocol, so many women simply learn to live with the decreased quality of life.

A new study attempts to further previous research, looking for ways to help these survivors take back control of their bodies, and feel like themselves again. The research, conducted at the UCLA Medical Center, examined the effects of yoga on 31 breast cancer survivors' fatigue and energy levels. The control group attended a class on health issues after cancer.

Even though this study was small, the results were striking. The women who attended the yoga classes (two 90-minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks) reported a 55% increase in their energy levels, and a 26% decrease in fatigue. Even three months after the end of yoga classes, these women reported significant improvement in fatigue and energy levels.

The control group, in contrast, reported no change in their energy or fatigue.

According to experts in the field, yoga is likely not the only road to wellness; any type of gentle exercise that helps women feel like they are back in control of their bodies could provide the same benefit. Regardless, further research is warranted in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan to help the 2.6 million breast cancer survivors worldwide find a new way to feel better.