Ask CancerCare

While some practitioners might work with specific populations to develop meditation techniques with a focus on the issues unique to their cancer, the universal goals of meditation are essentially the same, to quiet the mind and help people focus on the issues at hand. In that process many people find peace.

In the practice, research has shown that meditation helps relieve, or at least manage, stress, physical and emotional. Since too much stress and worry can exacerbate cancer, meditation can help reduce stress, with residual effects that last throughout the day, giving those who practice more clarity of mind to focus on what needs to be done.

Here are two breast cancer websites that offer additional information about meditation. They provide education about the practice and other tips that take a holistic view of how breast cancer patients can better care for themselves.

• University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery: Meditation. They also offer Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery topics, including: Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Exercise Program, Guided Imagery and Sexuality and Breast Cancer