Mindfulness and Breast Cancer

Whether you are newly diagnosed or are cancer-free following surgery and treatment, mindfulness can play a beneficial role. Reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of unease through the following practices can be beneficial to your mind and body.

Mindfulness Meditation

The main goal of mindfulness meditation is to train your mind. The goal is to focus intently on the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that you are having at a given moment. You can then use this awareness to openly accept those feelings without judgment or interpretation.

Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness meditation may offer relief from fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress that often occurs following breast cancer treatment. It can also help breast cancer survivors acknowledge and accept emotional experiences or embrace change. Further benefits may include improved sleep, increased focus, and improved emotional control.

Yoga

Yoga has also been found to increase mindfulness, similar to mindfulness meditation. Research has found that practicing yoga helps people control breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. By controlling these physical functions, yoga can therefore help people reduce their stress levels and improve feelings of relaxation.

Board-Certified Surgeon

MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS

Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.

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Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can be beneficial in controlling stress and anxiety levels. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we recommend the “4-7-8 Breath” also called the “Relaxing Breath”.

When learning to perform this breathing exercise, sit with your back straight. Next, place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

• Exhale fully through your mouth, making a whooshing sound.
• Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose while counting to 4 in your head.
• Hold your breath for a count of 7.
• Exhale fully through your mouth, making a whooshing sound to a count of 8. This is one breath.
• Inhale again and repeat the cycle 4 more times for a total of 4 breaths.

To learn more about the “4-7-8” breathing technique click here.

Contact Us Today

If you would like to learn more about mindfulness for breast cancer, please contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists in Tucson, AZ today. Our team will be happy to discuss how these practices can help improve your overall well-being.

“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley helped me through the first round of BC in 2017 with kindness, compassion and expertise! I had absolutely no reservations when trusting her for a 2021 and now for the 3rd time I can’t imagine going through this without her. She is a lion when it comes to fighting for you, calls you personally even though she has to be the busiest Dr. and mother I know. She’s considerate of your needs, fears and concerns and never lets you go it alone. Can’t say enough good!

I have no words to express my gratitude for Dr. Ley! I was diagnosed Feb. 2020 and Dr. Ley besides being the best in her field and doing an amazing job on my double mastectomy she was even able to save my nipples. She is also a remarkable human being, patient, kind very clear in explaining everything and making you feel heard and safe in her hands. I 100% recommend her and her very helpful, kind and amazing team! If you have recently been diagnosed this is the team you want to have your back!

When diagnosed with Breast Cancer my daughter, which is a surgical nurse, started searching for a breast surgeon for me. Within a short period of time, she called stating “Mom, Dr Ley is the surgeon for you”! I have not been disappointed & have had nothing but positive experiences with Dr. Ley & her staff. They truly care.

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