Mindful breathing for cancer pain: efficacy of a single 20-minute session - a randomised controlled study


Author: Seng Beng Tan1, Chee Shee Chai2, Diana Leh Ching Ng3, Sheriza Izwa Zainuddin4, David Paul Capelle4, Chee Loong Lam4, Chui Munn Ang4, Win Lin Chai4, Nik Natasha Nik Ishak4, Yu Xiang Ong4, Ying Xi Ngu4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Palliative Medicine, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.

<sup>2</sup> Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia.

<sup>3</sup> Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia nlcdiana@unimas.my.

<sup>4</sup> Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Conference/Journal: BMJ Support Palliat Care
Date published: 2024 Aug 20
Other:
  Pages: spcare-2023-004762   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004762.   ,  Word Count: 201  
    Objectives:

Cancer pain is a prevalent and challenging symptom affecting a significant number of patients globally, with inadequate control remaining a substantial challenge despite advancements in pain management. Non-pharmacological interventions, including mindfulness-based approaches, have shown promise in alleviating cancer-related pain. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing in reducing pain among patients with cancer.



Methods:

A randomised controlled study was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, involving adult cancer inpatients with a pain score of ≥4/10. Participants were randomly assigned to a 20-minute mindful breathing intervention or a 20-minute supportive listening control group. Outcome measures included pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score, assessed before and after the intervention.



Results:

The 20-minute mindful breathing sessions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and anxiety compared with the control group.



Conclusion:

This research broadens the repertoire of cancer pain management by highlighting the rapid and holistic benefits of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing. The findings suggest the potential integration of brief mindfulness exercises into routine cancer care to enhance pain management and overall well-being.



Keywords: Pain; Supportive care; Terminal care.



PMID: 39164043 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004762