The perceived effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on improving quality of life in cancer patients: A pilot study

This pilot study shed light on the feasibility and potential benefits of utilizing a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program as an adjunct to cancer treatment. It explored whether MBSR, a systematic intervention method used in a cancer outpatient population at the Wellness Community in Walnut Creek, California, is associated with improved mindfulness skills and quality of life in cancer patients, and which particular domains of quality of life are affected by the intervention. This study also predicted that changes in mindfulness scores would positively correlate with changes in quality of life scores. The subjects included self-selected participants diagnosed with cancer who were participating in the 8-week MBSR program. Participant demographic, mindfulness skills, and quality of life data were measured via self-report assessment tools including a demographic questionnaire, a Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General (FACT-G, version 4) scale (Cella, 2004), and a Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS [Brown & Ryan, 2003]). Total scale and subscale scores on the MAAS and FACT-G were analyzed via paired-samples t tests. Overall, the primary hypothesis that participants in the MBSR program would show improvements in both mindfulness and quality of life scores over the course of the 8-week intervention was confirmed on all measures. Participants demonstrated improved quality of life in the areas related to physical, emotional, and functional well-being. Contrary to expectation, changes in mindfulness scores did not correlate with changes in quality of life scores. However, given the low statistical power due to small sample size, there was likely not sufficient power to detect an effect. These preliminary findings suggest that MBSR can lead to perceived enhancements in quality of life and mindfulness skills among cancer patients. Future research in cancer populations is necessary to further delineate the relationships between MBSR, mindfulness, and quality of life.