CN73 - The impact of mindfulness-based meditation and yoga on stress, body image, self-esteem and sexual adjustment in breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Surgical interventions are commonly utilized in the treatment of breast cancer; however, they can elicit adverse effects on women's perceptions of femininity, leading to stress, negative body image, diminished self-esteem, and challenges in sexual adjustment. Mindfulness-based interventions are known to be effective on various psychological and social components, especially stress, in breast cancer patients.

Methods

This study investigates the efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation and yoga in alleviating stress, enhancing self-esteem, improving body image, and facilitating sexual adjustment among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Employing a prospective (pre-test, post-test, and second-month follow-up) two-arm (1:1) randomized controlled experimental design, the study involved 39 women (intervention group=19; control group=20) undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The intervention group participated in face-to-face mindfulness-based meditation and yoga sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes each over an eight- week period. The experimental registration of this study was made at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06110832). The research was supported by Koç University Semahat Arsel Nursing Education, Research and Practice Center (SANERC) Vehbi Koç Foundation Nursing Fund Project Support Program.

Results

Following the intervention, significant reductions in perceived stress and the significance attributed to breasts in sexuality were observed (p<0.05), accompanied by increases in self-esteem and body perception (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in sexual adjustment (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Mindfulness-based meditation and yoga interventions demonstrated efficacy in mitigating perceived stress, enhancing self-esteem, and improving body perception among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The findings advocate for the integration of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, particularly during the preoperative phase, to support oncological patients, particularly those with breast cancer.

Clinical trial identification

NCT06110832.

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Koç University Semahat Arsel Nursing Education, Research and Practice Center (SANERC) Vehbi Koç Foundation Nursing Fund Project Support Program.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.