The Haven’s Clinical and Research Director, Dr Caroline Hoffman, recently conducted a study on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The findings of the extensive research have now been published online by the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The research shows, for the first time, a statistically significant improvement in physical and emotional wellbeing. The results indicate that the MBSR technique could help thousands of women with breast cancer.

The conclusion from the trial stated:

MSBR improved mood, breast- and endocrine-related quality of life, and well-being more effectively than standard care in women with stage 0 to III breast cancer, and these results persisted at three months. To our knowledge, this study provided novel evidence that MBSR can help alleviate long-term emotional and physical adverse effects of medical treatments, including endocrine treatments. MBSR is recommended to support survivors of breast cancer.

The Haven Breast Cancer Support centres provide, completely free of charge, a wide range of therapies which help people to deal with the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer. Their specialist nurses and experts in nutrition, exercise and emotional support provide tailor-made programmes for every person who comes through their doors.

Dr Hoffman also runs regular 8 week MBSR programmes from the Haven’s main office in Fulham, London SW6. For further information please click here