---
title: Cancer and mind-body care
url: https://mbmi.org/conditions/cancer
description: How meditation, yoga and relaxation can support people during cancer treatment according to oncology guidelines, and what they cannot do.
author: Mind and Body content team
last_updated: 2026-10-26
---
# Cancer and mind-body care

Mind-body practices cannot treat cancer. Oncology guidelines do support some of them for anxiety, stress and mood alongside treatment.

## Key takeaways

- ASCO endorses meditation, yoga and relaxation for anxiety, stress and mood in people with breast cancer.
- These practices support well-being. They are not alternatives to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or other treatment.
- Tell your oncology team about any supplement or practice you start.

## What the guideline recommends

The American Society of Clinical Oncology endorsed the Society for Integrative Oncology guideline on integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. It recommends meditation, yoga, relaxation with imagery and other stress-management approaches for anxiety and mood, and music therapy for anxiety. Evidence for other symptoms is weaker.[1] (source 1)


## What these practices do not do

- They do not shrink tumors or replace treatment
- They do not show that a patient's attitude affects survival
- Herbal and dietary supplements can interact with cancer drugs, so ask your oncology team first


> From the MBMI Archive: [Cancer](https://mbmi.org/archive/programs/cancer) — The institute's ten-week mind body program for cancer, 2006–2009.


## Using relaxation during treatment

- Try a short daily practice and mini relaxations before appointments or scans
- Ask your cancer center about counselling, yoga and support groups
- Combine with activity that your team approves


## Common questions

### Will a positive attitude help me beat cancer?

There is no evidence that optimism changes the course of the disease, and no one should be blamed for how they feel. Support is about quality of life.

### Is the guideline only for breast cancer?

It addresses breast cancer. Similar approaches are widely used for other cancers, but ask your team about the evidence for your situation.


## Sources

1. Lyman GH, Greenlee H, Bohlke K, et al. Integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment: ASCO endorsement of the SIO clinical practice guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(25):2647–2655. doi:10.1200/jop.18.00283