Cancer patients should meditate twice a day, scientist says

A researcher reported that chronic stress and persistently high cortisol in people with cancer may change cancer cells to be more adaptable and treatment‑resistant, and she suggested twice‑daily stress‑reduction practices such as meditation or yoga.

Dr Kimberly Bussey of Midwestern University presented research linking psychological stress and alterations in cancer biology, and she described mindfulness and brief stress‑reduction routines as useful morning and evening practices. Her work examined daily patterns of the stress hormone cortisol in people with cancer and compared them with typical daily rhythms. Laboratory experiments reported changes in cancer cells associated with cortisol exposure. The research was presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Key findings: - The researcher reported that cancer patients often show disrupted cortisol rhythms that remain elevated across the day rather than peaking in the morning and falling in the evening. - The study and related data indicate elevated cortisol can increase cancer cell ‘‘stemness,’’ a measure linked to adaptability, spread, and reduced sensitivity to some chemotherapy drugs. - Experiments on cells in the lab suggested these cortisol‑linked changes can persist after stress is reduced. - The article notes that some institutions already include counselling and support groups as part of cancer care, and the researcher described starting and ending the day with stress‑reduction practices. Summary: The work links persistent cortisol exposure with cellular changes that may affect how cancers behave and respond to treatment. The researcher described twice‑daily stress‑reduction routines as supportive practices and presented the findings at AAAS. Undetermined at this time.