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Cancer Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, Breast, Prostate and Other Cancers, Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Video Spotlight: Cancer

Watch this video to learn more about the research conducted on cancer and yoga.

Our hope is for yoga schools and yoga teachers to utilize this impactful content in their teachings to promote and highlight yoga's evident multi-faceted ability to improve lives. Let us know how research on yoga is important or valuable to you on social media (@YogaAlliance) or by emailing us at research@yogaalliance.org. We honor and value your personal experiences and look forward to featuring your stories.

These citations were curated by Yoga Alliance's Director of Yoga Research, Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa.

Review Papers

Review Papers (What's this?)

Yoga has a solid effect on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer: a meta-analysis.
Dong B, Xie C, Jing X, Lin L, Tian L.
Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019 Aug;177(1):5-16.
[ abstract ]

Effects of physical and mind-body exercise on sleep problems during and after breast cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Kreutz C, Schmidt ME, Steindorf K.
Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019 Jul;176(1):1-15.
[ abstract ]

Yoga for symptom management in oncology: A review of the evidence base and future directions for research.
Danhauer SC, Addington EL, Cohen L, Sohl SJ, Van Puymbroeck M, Albinati NK, Culos-Reed SN.
Cancer. 2019 Jun 15;125(12):1979-1989.
[ abstract ]

Walking is more effective than yoga at reducing sleep disturbance in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Tang MF, Chiu HY, Xu X, Kwok JY, Cheung DST, Chen CY, Lin CC.
Sleep Med Rev. 2019 May 24;47:1-8.
[ abstract ]

Yoga for Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review.
Kizhakkeveettil A, Whedon J, Schmalzl L, Hurwitz EL.
Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Jan;25(1):36-43.
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Yoga-Specific Enhancement of Quality of Life Among Women With Breast Cancer: Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
El-Hashimi D, Gorey KM.
J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Dec;24:2515690X19828325.
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Yoga as an Integrative Approach for Prevention and Treatment of Oral Cancer.
Anand A, Goyal AK, Bakshi J, Sharma K, Vir D, Didi A.
Int J Yoga. 2018 Sep-Dec;11(3):177-185.

Utilizing Yoga in Oncologic Patients Treated with Radiotherapy: Review.
Tolia M, Tsoukalas N, Nikolaou M, Mosa E, Nazos I, Poultsidi A, Hajiioannou J, Tsanadis K, Spyropoulou D, Charalampakis N, Kardamakis D, Kouloulias V, Pistevou-Gombaki K, Kyrgias G.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2018 Jul-Sep;24(3):355-358.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Mindfulness, and Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer with Sleep Disturbance: A Literature Review.
Zeichner SB, Zeichner RL, Gogineni K, Shatil S, Ioachimescu O.
Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2017 Dec 7;11:1178223417745564.
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Yoga for the Management of Cancer Treatment-Related Toxicities.
Lin PJ, Peppone LJ, Janelsins MC, Mohile SG, Kamen CS, Kleckner IR, Fung C, Asare M, Cole CL, Culakova E, Mustian KM.
Curr Oncol Rep. 2018 Feb 1;20(1):5.
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Yoga into Cancer Care: A Review of the Evidence-based Research.
Agarwal RP, Maroko-Afek A.
Int J Yoga. 2018 Jan-Apr;11(1):3-29.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Mindfulness, and Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer with Sleep Disturbance: A Literature Review.
Zeichner SB, Zeichner RL, Gogineni K, Shatil S, Ioachimescu O.
Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2017 Dec 7;11:1178223417745564.
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Mind and body practices for fatigue reduction in patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Duong N, Davis H, Robinson PD, Oberoi S, Cataudella D, Culos-Reed SN, Gibson F, Götte M, Hinds P, Nijhof SL, Tomlinson D, van der Torre P, Ladas E, Cabral S, Dupuis LL, Sung L.
Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2017 Dec;120:210-216.
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Distress Management Through Mind-Body Therapies in Oncology.
Carlson LE.
J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2017 Nov 1;2017(52).
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Complementary Therapies for Symptom Management in Cancer Patients.
Satija A, Bhatnagar S.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Oct-Dec;23(4):468-479.
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Quality of Life and Breast Cancer: How Can Mind-Body Exercise Therapies Help? An Overview Study.
Husebø AML, Husebø TL.
Sports (Basel). 2017 Oct 13;5(4). pii: E79.
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Role of Yoga in Cancer Patients: Expectations, Benefits, and Risks: A Review.
Rao RM, Amritanshu R, Vinutha HT, Vaishnaruby S, Deepashree S, Megha M, Geetha R, Ajaikumar BS.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Jul-Sep;23(3):225-230.
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Mind-Body Therapies in Cancer: What Is the Latest Evidence?
Carlson LE, Zelinski E, Toivonen K, Flynn M, Qureshi M, Piedalue KA, Grant R.
Curr Oncol Rep. 2017 Aug 18;19(10):67.
[ abstract ]

Salute to the sun: a new dawn in yoga therapy for breast cancer.
Galliford M, Robinson S, Bridge P, Carmichael M.
J Med Radiat Sci. 2017 Sep;64(3):232-238.
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Mind-body interventions for vasomotor symptoms in healthy menopausal women and breast cancer survivors. A systematic review.
Stefanopoulou E, Grunfeld EA.
J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2017 Sep;38(3):210-225.
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The Impact of the "Yogic Lifestyle" on Cancer Prognosis and Survival: Can we Target Cancer Stem Cells with Yoga?
Beri K.
Int J Yoga. 2017 May-Aug;10(2):95-98.
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Review of yoga therapy during cancer treatment.
Danhauer SC, Addington EL, Sohl SJ, Chaoul A, Cohen L.
Support Care Cancer. 2017 Apr;25(4):1357-1372
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Could yoga practice improve treatment-related side effects and quality of life for women with breast cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pan Y, Yang K, Wang Y, Zhang L, Liang H.
Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2017 Apr;13(2):e79-e95.
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Intervention for Cancer Care: A Systematic Review.
Rush SE, Sharma M.
J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Apr;22(2):348-360.
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Yoga for improving health-related quality of life, mental health and cancer-related symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cramer H, Lauche R, Klose P, Lange S, Langhorst J, Dobos GJ.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jan 3;1:CD010802.
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A systematic review of yoga interventions as integrative treatment in breast cancer.
Sharma M, Lingam VC, Nahar VK.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2016 Dec;142(12):2523-2540
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Evidence-Based Yoga Interventions for Patients With Cancer.
Sisk A, Fonteyn M.
Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2016 Apr;20(2):181-6.
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Yoga as Treatment for Insomnia Among Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review.
Mustian KM.
Eur Med J Oncol. 2013 Nov 1;1:106-115.
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Mind-body practices in cancer care.
Chaoul A, Milbury K, Sood AK, Prinsloo S, Cohen L.
Curr Oncol Rep. 2014 Dec;16(12):417.
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Yoga in addition to standard care for patients with haematological malignancies.
Felbel S, Meerpohl JJ, Monsef I, Engert A, Skoetz N.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Jun 12;(6):CD010146.
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Notable Publications

Notable Publications (What's this?)

Online yoga in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients: results of a randomized pilot trial to inform future research.
Huberty J, Eckert R, Dueck A, Kosiorek H, Larkey L, Gowin K, Mesa R.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jun 7;19(1):121.
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Influence of Yoga on Cancer-Related Fatigue and on Mediational Relationships Between Changes in Sleep and Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Nationwide, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Yoga in Cancer Survivors.
Lin PJ, Kleckner IR, Loh KP, Inglis JE, Peppone LJ, Janelsins MC, Kamen CS, Heckler CE, Culakova E, Pigeon WR, Reddy PS, Messino MJ, Gaur R, Mustian KM.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2019 Jan-Dec;18:1534735419855134.
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Impact of Somatic Yoga and Meditation on Fall Risk, Function, and Quality of Life for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Syndrome in Cancer Survivors.
Galantino ML, Tiger R, Brooks J, Jang S, Wilson K.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2019 Jan-Dec;18:1534735419850627.
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Qualitative Evaluation of a Community-Based Physical Activity and Yoga Program for Men Living With Prostate Cancer: Survivor Perspectives.
Culos-Reed SN, Dew M, Shank J, Langelier DM, McDonough M.
Glob Adv Health Med. 2019 Apr 17;8:2164956119837487.
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Feasibility of a mindful yoga program for women with metastatic breast cancer: results of a randomized pilot study.
Porter LS, Carson JW, Olsen M, Carson KM, Sanders L, Jones L, Westbrook K, Keefe FJ.
Support Care Cancer. 2019 Mar 15.
[ abstract ]

Long-Term Changes of Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue in Cancer Patients 6 Months After the End of Yoga Therapy.
Lundt A, Jentschke E.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2019 Jan-Dec;18:1534735418822096.
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A feasibility study examining the impact of yoga on psychosocial health and symptoms in pediatric outpatients receiving chemotherapy.
Stein E, Rayar M, Krishnadev U, Gupta A, Hyslop S, Plenert E, Schechter-Finkelstein T, Sung L.
Support Care Cancer. 2019 Feb 2. [Epub ahead of print]
[ abstract ]

Dyadic yoga program for patients undergoing thoracic radiotherapy and their family caregivers: Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Milbury K, Liao Z, Shannon V, Mallaiah S, Nagarathna R, Li Y, Yang C, Carmack C, Bruera E, Cohen L.
Psychooncology. 2019 Mar;28(3):615-621.
[ abstract ]

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Tailored Yoga in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer: A Pilot Study.
Adair M, Murphy B, Yarlagadda S, Deng J, Dietrich MS, Ridner SH.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Sep;17(3):774-784.
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Effect of Eischens Yoga During Radiation Therapy on Prostate Cancer Patient Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Randomized Phase II Trial.
Ben-Josef AM, Chen J, Wileyto P, Doucette A, Bekelman J, Christodouleas J, Deville C, Vapiwala N.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017 Aug 1;98(5):1036-1044.
[ abstract ]

Feasibility of the mobile mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer (mMBSR(BC)) program for symptom improvement among breast cancer survivors.
Lengacher CA, Reich RR, Ramesar S, Alinat CB, Moscoso M, Cousin L, Marino VR, Elias MN, Paterson CL, Pleasant ML, Rodriguez CS, Wang HL, Kip KE, Meng H, Park JY.
Psychooncology. 2018 Feb;27(2):524-531.
[ abstract ]

Randomized trial of Tibetan yoga in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Chaoul A, Milbury K, Spelman A, Basen-Engquist K, Hall MH, Wei Q, Shih YT, Arun B, Valero V, Perkins GH, Babiera GV, Wangyal T, Engle R, Harrison CA, Li Y, Cohen L.
Cancer. 2018 Jan 1;124(1):36-45.
[ abstract ]

Effect of Yoga on Sleep Quality and Neuroendocrine Immune Response in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients.
Rao RM, Vadiraja HS, Nagaratna R, Gopinath KS, Patil S, Diwakar RB, Shahsidhara HP, Ajaikumar BS, Nagendra HR.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Jul-Sep;23(3):253-260.
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Effects of Yoga in Managing Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Vadiraja HS, Rao RM, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR, Patil S, Diwakar RB, Shashidhara HP, Gopinath KS, Ajaikumar BS.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Jul-Sep;23(3):247-252.
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Effects of a Yoga Program on Mood States, Quality of Life, and Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Conventional Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Rao RM, Raghuram N, Nagendra HR, Kodaganur GS, Bilimagga RS, Shashidhara HP, Diwakar RB, Patil S, Rao N.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Jul-Sep;23(3):237-246.
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Effect of Long-term Yoga Practice on Psychological outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors.
Amritanshu RR, Rao RM, Nagaratna R, Veldore VH, Usha Rani MU, Gopinath KS, Ajaikumar BS.
Indian J Palliat Care. 2017 Jul-Sep;23(3):231-236.
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The effects of yoga and self-esteem on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer survivors-A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Koch AK, Rabsilber S, Lauche R, Kümmel S, Dobos G, Langhorst J, Cramer H.
Maturitas. 2017 Nov;105:95-99.
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A Restorative Yoga Intervention for African-American Breast Cancer Survivors: a Pilot Study.
Taylor TR, Barrow J, Makambi K, Sheppard V, Wallington SF, Martin C, Greene D, Yeruva SLH, Horton S.
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2018 Feb;5(1):62-72.
[ abstract ]

The effects of yoga on shoulder and spinal actions for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema of the arm: A randomised controlled pilot study.
Loudon A, Barnett T, Piller N, Immink MA, Visentin D, Williams AD.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Sep 2;16:343.
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The effects of the Bali Yoga Program (BYP-BC) on reducing psychological symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: results of a randomized, partially blinded, controlled trial.
Lanctôt D, Dupuis G, Marcaurell R, Anestin AS, Bali M.
J Complement Integr Med. 2016 Dec 1;13(4):405-412.
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YOCAS©® Yoga Reduces Self-reported Memory Difficulty in Cancer Survivors in a Nationwide Randomized Clinical Trial: Investigating Relationships Between Memory and Sleep.
Janelsins MC, Peppone LJ, Heckler CE, Kesler SR, Sprod LK, Atkins J, Melnik M, Kamen C, Giguere J, Messino MJ, Mohile SG, Mustian KM.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2016 Sep;15(3):263-71.
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Randomized pilot trial of yoga versus strengthening exercises in breast cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue.
Stan DL, Croghan KA, Croghan IT, Jenkins SM, Sutherland SJ, Cheville AL, Pruthi S.
Support Care Cancer. 2016 Sep;24(9):4005-15.
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Iyengar-Yoga Compared to Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention during (Neo)adjuvant Therapy in Women with Stage I-III Breast Cancer: Health-Related Quality of Life, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Life Satisfaction, and Cancer-Related Fatigue.
Lötzke D, Wiedemann F, Rodrigues Recchia D, Ostermann T, Sattler D, Ettl J, Kiechle M, Büssing A.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:5931816.
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A brief yoga intervention implemented during chemotherapy: A randomized controlled pilot study.
Sohl SJ, Danhauer SC, Birdee GS, Nicklas BJ, Yacoub G, Aklilu M, Avis NE.
Complement Ther Med. 2016 Apr;25:139-42.
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Examining Mediators and Moderators of Yoga for Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy.
Ratcliff CG, Milbury K, Chandwani KD, Chaoul A, Perkins G, Nagarathna R, Haddad R, Nagendra HR, Raghuram NV, Spelman A, Arun B, Wei Q, Cohen L.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2016 Sep;15(3):250-62.
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A randomized controlled bicenter trial of yoga for patients with colorectal cancer.
Cramer H, Pokhrel B, Fester C, Meier B, Gass F, Lauche R, Eggleston B, Walz M, Michalsen A, Kunz R, Dobos G, Langhorst J.
Psychooncology. 2016 Apr;25(4):412-20.
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Yoga and self-reported cognitive problems in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
Derry HM, Jaremka LM, Bennett JM, Peng J, Andridge R, Shapiro C, Malarkey WB, Emery CF, Layman R, Mrozek E, Glaser R, Kiecolt-Glaser JK.
Psychooncology. 2015 Aug;24(8):958-66.
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Yoga and meditation for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors-A randomized controlled trial.
Cramer H, Rabsilber S, Lauche R, Kümmel S, Dobos G.
Cancer. 2015 Jul 1;121(13):2175-84.
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Mindfulness-based cancer recovery and supportive-expressive therapy maintain telomere length relative to controls in distressed breast cancer survivors.
Carlson LE, Beattie TL, Giese-Davis J, Faris P, Tamagawa R, Fick LJ, Degelman ES, Speca M.
Cancer. 2015 Feb 1;121(3):476-84.
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Randomized, controlled trial of yoga in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.
Chandwani KD, Perkins G, Nagendra HR, Raghuram NV, Spelman A, Nagarathna R, Johnson K, Fortier A, Arun B, Wei Q, Kirschbaum C, Haddad R, Morris GS, Scheetz J, Chaoul A, Cohen L.
J Clin Oncol. 2014 Apr 1;32(10):1058-65.
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Yoga's impact on inflammation, mood, and fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Bennett JM, Andridge R, Peng J, Shapiro CL, Malarkey WB, Emery CF, Layman R, Mrozek EE, Glaser R.
J Clin Oncol. 2014 Apr 1;32(10):1040-9.
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Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of yoga for sleep quality among cancer survivors.
Mustian KM, Sprod LK, Janelsins M, Peppone LJ, Palesh OG, Chandwani K, Reddy PS, Melnik MK, Heckler C, Morrow GR.
J Clin Oncol. 2013 Sep 10;31(26):3233-41.
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Randomized controlled trial of Mindfulness-based cancer recovery versus supportive expressive group therapy for distressed survivors of breast cancer.
Carlson LE, Doll R, Stephen J, Faris P, Tamagawa R, Drysdale E, Speca M.
J Clin Oncol. 2013 Sep 1;31(25):3119-26.
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Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
Bower JE, Garet D, Sternlieb B, Ganz PA, Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Greendale G.
Cancer. 2012 Aug 1;118(15):3766-75.
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Randomized controlled trial of yoga among a multiethnic sample of breast cancer patients: effects on quality of life.
Moadel AB, Shah C, Wylie-Rosett J, Harris MS, Patel SR, Hall CB, Sparano JA.
J Clin Oncol. 2007 Oct 1;25(28):4387-95.
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Psychological adjustment and sleep quality in a randomized trial of the effects of a Tibetan yoga intervention in patients with lymphoma.
Cohen L, Warneke C, Fouladi RT, Rodriguez MA, Chaoul-Reich A.
Cancer. 2004 May 15;100(10):2253-60.
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