Cancer in the U.S.

This year, the American Cancer Society estimates 1,529,560 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. American men have about a one in two chance of being diagnosed with cancer sometime in their lives. American women have about a one in three lifetime chance of developing a cancer. Prostate, lung and colorectal cancer are the most commonly diagnosed types among men. For women, the most common cancers are breast, lung and colon/rectum.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. (heart disease is number one). This year, 568,490 Americans are expected to die from cancer. The disease accounts for one of every four deaths in this country.

Chemotherapy for Cancer

Surgery is the mainstay of many cancer treatments. Another important treatment is chemotherapy, or treatment with cancer killing drugs. More than 100 different medications are available to treat cancer. Doctors may use one or more of them.

Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments. Ultimately, the goal is to kill the cancer. When that isn’t possible, chemo may be used to slow cancer growth, prevent it from spreading to other areas or relieve symptoms (like pain) by shrinking the size of tumors.

Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting fast-growing and dividing cancer cells. However, the drugs can’t differentiate between a cancer cell and a healthy cell. Therefore, fast-growing healthy cells, like those in the bone marrow/blood, digestive tract and hair follicles, can also be targeted by chemotherapy, leading to unwanted side effects. Some common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, increased risk for infection, mouth and throat sores, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, pain and loss of appetite. The treatment and side effects can lead to sleep problems, anxiety, depression and difficulties with concentration, greatly affecting a patient’s quality of life.

Yoga for Chemo Patients

Kerry Gillespie, Complementary Medicine Director at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, says anxiety and stress creates negative energy that’s harmful to the body. For cancer patients, that makes it harder for the body to fight the cancer. Thus, it’s important to promote relaxation to de-stress the body and create a positive energy flow.

Some people try to relax by reading or watching television. However, Gillespie says these activities are still distracting because they require the mind to be active. Total relaxation means both the body and mind are no longer being stimulated. She recommends yoga techniques to promote this sense of total relaxation.

Yoga Therapist Christy Parlatore, leads the yoga class while the participants are getting their chemo treatment. The yoga therapy used for chemotherapy patients doesn’t involve a significant number of poses. Instead, it focuses more on breathing, gentle stretches and relaxation. Parlatore also offers massage. Each yoga session lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. Participants are also encouraged to practice the techniques at home.

For general information on chemotherapy and cancer:

American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute