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


Pehlivan M., Eyi S.

Cancer Nursing, vol.48, no.3, pp.190-199, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 48 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001427
  • Journal Name: Cancer Nursing
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.190-199
  • Keywords: Body image, Mastectomy, Meditation, Mindfulness, Self-esteem, Sexual adjustment
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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. Objective 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. Methods Using a prospective (pretest, posttest, and second-month follow-up), 2-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 8-week period. Results Following the intervention, significant reductions in perceived stress and the significance attributed to breasts in sexuality were observed (P <.05), accompanied by increases in self-esteem and body perception (P <.05). However, no significant differences were observed in sexual adjustment (P >.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. Implications for Practice Psychosocial aspects such as body image, self-esteem, and sexual adjustment following radical mastectomy are frequently overlooked in clinical care. This research highlights the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness-based yoga and meditation techniques into nursing interventions to alleviate stress and enhance body confidence among women undergoing mastectomy.