N12 - An innovative program of integrative rehabilitation based on promoting healthy lifestyles for cancer survivors. Preliminary results of an experimental study

Abstract

Background: Nearly 3 million of Italian people survive cancer (Airtum 2014). Even if survivor quality of life is often seriously compromised, our National Health Service shows a relative lack of rehabilitation programs concerning mental, emotional, physical and social issues. However, several international studies prove the efficacy of the mind-body interventions in enhancing the quality of life of cancer survivors. Specifically, meditation, yoga, and relaxation with imagery are recommended practices for routine use for common sympthoms, including anxiety and mood disorders.[1]Taking account of international and national guidelines, we designed a program of integrative rehabilitation based on promoting healty lifestyles including: nutritional counselling, 3 months Yoga Lessons, psychological group support, acupuncture and Physiotherapy on demand. The aim was to prove the efficacy of such a program on the quality of life of cancer survivors. Material: A group of 30 cancer survivors that, in the follow-up phase, suffering from psycho-physic symptoms not curable by a pharmacological approach. People in the group had different types of cancer (breast, colon, prostate, ovary, etc). Method: Admininistration of specific questionnaries at beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation program in order to evaluate the effects of an integrative rehabilitation on the patient quality of life (POMS- Profile of Mood States-McNair et al. 1981; ESAS- Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale - Bruera et al. 1991; BPI- Brief Pain Inventory Short Form – Cleeland, 1991). Results: We found a significant improvement in two areas: tension-anxiety (p < 0,012) and Fatigue (p < 0,015). Moreover, in 15 pts (50%) we found pain improvement, with complete pain remission and consequent withdrawal of analgesics in 4 pts. Finally, 84% of partecipants shows a significative amelioration of quality of life. Conclusions: Our study confirm that yoga can enhance quality of life of cancer survivors. Moreover, the life style change can have positive effects on different type of cancer survivors. We hope that such type of complementary intervention, quite inexpensive and with strong scientific evidence of efficacy, will soon became a standard for oncological follow up. [1]Greenlee H et al., Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Use of Integrative Therapies as Supportive Care in Patients Treated for Breast Cancer, J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr, 2014 (50): 346-358. doi: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgu041.