Mindfulness‐based stress reduction and cancer: a meta‐analysis

Objective: This meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) on the mental and physical health status of various cancer patients. Methods: Ten studies (randomized‐controlled trials and observational studies) were found to be eligible for meta‐analysis. Individual study results were categorized into mental and physical variables and Cohen's effect size d was computed for each category. Results: MBSR may indeed be helpful for the mental health of cancer patients (Cohen's effect size d=0.48); however, more research is needed to show convincing evidence of the effect on physical health (Cohen's effect size d=0.18). Conclusion: The results suggest that MBSR may improve cancer patients' psychosocial adjustment to their disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.