About this trial
This clinical trial compares the impact of four types of meditation practices, breathing only, focused attention only, mindfulness only, and breathing, focused attention and mindfulness combined, for relaxation in cancer survivors. Studies show that many patients with cancer experience stress and anxiety. Meditation therapy uses a variety of techniques, such as breathing, sound, or movement, that may help to decrease distress and anxiety and enhance the health and quality of life of patients with cancer. The trial is being done to find out how meditation can help cancer survivors feel relaxed and attain a peaceful state of mind.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Documented written informed consent of the participant
Age: ≥ 18 years
Ability to understand and fluently speak English or Spanish
No previous training in mind-body relaxation techniques including meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, guided imagery, mindfulness-based stress reduction, hypnosis, or cognitive behavior therapy, that exceeds 3 hours. Additionally, no regular practice of mind-body relaxation techniques, or formal experience with mind-body relaxation techniques within the past 12 months
Disqualifiers
Inability to complete study required time and procedures as outlined in the study procedures section of the protocol
Must not have had previous serious illnesses that affect neurological functioning such as strokes, heart attacks, Parkinson disease, etc
Ongoing active psychiatric condition, depressive/bi-polar related disorders, anxiety, psychosis disorders, or substance use that may interfere with the study including panic disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disease
Active cancer
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Biospecimen Collection
- Meditation Therapy
- Meditation Therapy
- Meditation Therapy
- Meditation Therapy
- Questionnaire Administration
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
City of Hope Medical Center
Lead sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator