Awareness of Yoga for Supportive Care in Cancer: Implications for Dissemination

Abstract

Objectives:

Evidence indicates there are beneficial physical and psychosocial effects from practicing yoga in cancer patients and survivors. Despite yoga having been incorporated into National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for symptoms ranging from fatigue to pain, patients' use of yoga for supportive care is low, ranging from 6% to 12%. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of yoga as therapy in an academic cancer center and the preferences for information delivery in this population.

Design:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study at an urban academic cancer center. Responses regarding awareness and use of yoga were evaluated; those responding “not aware” were analyzed for preferences in information delivery. Univariate analysis was used to further characterize awareness of yoga for supportive care.

Results:

Of 303 respondents, 68% were female, 77% were white, and 75% were college educated. Despite access to yoga at the cancer center, 171 (56%) patients expressed they were not aware of the availability of yoga. Male patients were more likely to be unaware of yoga (72.4% vs. 48.8%, p = 0.045). Awareness did not vary by age, race, educational attainment, marital status, cancer type, or cancer stage. Of the 171 “not aware” patients, 87.6% expressed desire for information in the form of printed material, followed by 80.4% for e-mail, 37.6% for smartphone application, and 27.6% for social media. Non-white respondents were more likely to express interest in receiving information by smartphone.

Conclusions:

More than half of cancer patients were unaware of the yoga program despite advertising across the institution. Patients prefer varying methods for information receipt, with preferences differing by sociodemographic factors. Targeted education and outreach using appropriate engagement is needed to improve the awareness of yoga for symptom control in cancer patients.