Irving, TX – Surviving breast cancer and coming out on the other side healthy is a major accomplishment. For many women, however, the celebrations are marred by the onset of menopause. While perfectly normal, natural and healthy, menopause does bring its own share of concerns, including physical and psychological symptoms. For some breast cancer survivors, the need to adjust to yet another new reality may feel like insult has been added to injury, especially if medications are required to control symptoms.

“Recent research into the benefits of yoga and meditation for menopausal breast cancer survivors might offer some hope to women struggling with the common symptoms of this transitional stage of life,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the Las Colinas Cancer Center. “While not 100 percent effective in tackling every symptom, these two alternative techniques are showing great promise in helping women control symptoms without unnecessary medical intervention.”

Dr. Echt is referring to research conducted recently in Germany. The research involved a total of 40 breast cancer survivors with a median age of about 49.2 years. Roughly half the women were instructed to take part in Hatha yoga while the other half underwent more traditional menopausal interventions. Women were surveyed at the 12 and 24 week marks. In both instances, women in the yoga/meditation group reported better control of symptoms than those undergoing traditional treatments. The exception was in relation to psychological symptoms, which began to appear in the yoga group at about the 24 week mark.

“The bottom line is women who have endured breast cancer treatment may want to a more natural way to control symptoms of menopause,” says Dr. Echt. “For some, yoga and meditation may prove highly effective. These alternative therapies may also reduce stress, which can be incredibly helpful for anyone regardless of gender or cancer status.”

About Las Colinas Cancer Center
Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in North Texas, offers those battling cancer and blood disorders a safe haven where they can find professional care from some of the nation’s most experienced oncology specialists in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.