Can we reduce stress and depression in young breast cancer survivors?

This paper studied whether a mindfulness meditation program could reduce stress and depression in young breast cancer survivors. 

Studies have shown that younger women are more stressed and depressed compared to older women after being diagnosed with cancer. They are also more likely to be fatigued and have sleep disturbances. Thus, it is important to specifically reduce stress in young women. It is suggested that mindfulness, which involves individuals becoming more aware of their present circumstances would help. It is also suggested that reducing stress levels would reduce occurrence of inflammation (immune response to cancer leading to heat and redness).  

Women who were diagnosed with breast cancer before 50 years of age and had completed cancer treatment were studied.  39 women received a 6 week mindful awareness practices program while 32 women in the control group did not receive the program. All patients were followed up about their symptoms.

Overall, 48% of women reported clinically significant depressive symptoms.

Patients in the mindfulness program had  a significant reduction in stress and depression levels compared to patients in the control group.  Patients in the mindfulness program also had improvements in fatigue, sleep disturbances and hot flashes/night sweats (flushed face and sweating). There was also a greater decrease in indicators of inflammation amongst patients receiving the mindfulness program compared to patients in the control group. However, at 3-months follow-up, the change in stress and depression was not different whether or not patients received the mindfulness program. 

The authors concluded that a mindfulness-based intervention effectively reduced stress in the short term. 

There was a small number of patients studied. 

Talk to your doctor about receiving interventions like a mindfulness program to cope with stress and depression.