Mindfulness‐based stress reduction and cancer: a meta‐analysis

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the mental and physical health status of various cancer patients. METHODS: Ten studies (randomized-controlled trials and observational studies) were found to be eligible for meta-analysis. Individual study results were categorized into mental and physical variables and Cohen’s effect size d was computed for each category. RESULTS: MBSR may indeed be helpful for the mental health of cancer patients (Cohen’s effect size d=0.48); however, more research is needed to show convincing evidence of the effect on physical health (Cohen’s effect size d=0.18). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that MBSR may improve cancer patients’ psychosocial adjustment to their disease.