Disentangling the evidence : the efficacy of meditation in people with cancer

Meditation is often used as an adjunct to medical therapies by people who have cancer. There has long been a debate in both the medical and lay communities about the therapeutic use of meditation, and whether its use has any impact on quality of life, pain relief and long-term survival in people who have cancer. This chapter examines, in detail, the scientific research investigating the effects of meditation in people who have cancer. Also reported are the experiences of health practitioners and cancer survivors who use meditation as part of cancer therapy. In conclusion, the chapter makes recommendations for future research strategies, based on the current available evidence.