Ask CancerCare

Yoga is a wonderful practice to consider while in treatment or post treatment for cancer. Yoga has been proven to reduce the psychological stress caused by one’s diagnosis while helping to manage the physical symptoms and side effects of treatment. Patients should always speak to their doctors to ensure that yoga is safe and right for them prior to practicing. It is important to be aware of any physical limitations that exist as a result of surgery or treatment.

One of the great things about yoga is it can be easily adapted or modified based on the individual’s needs. It can also serve as the perfect segue to more intense workouts. If new to yoga, it is best to start at a studio with a licensed instructor to learn the proper techniques and potential modifications. Reach out to the oncology social worker on your team to learn about any local programs. There are also many free classes available online that are tailored to the needs of cancer patients.

You may read more about yoga in an article I wrote “The Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Patients.”