Yoga Integrated into Cancer Care: A Holistic Approach to Treatment
A New Silence in the Hospital Room
Massa, 20 March 2026 – A shift is occurring within the Apuane Hospital, where a new sense of calm is taking root. The “Yoga in Oncology” project is reshaping the experience of illness, integrating traditional medical treatments with a practice designed to alleviate the emotional toll on patients. The initiative is a collaboration among the complex structure of Oncology and the association ‘A hand for oncology’, aiming to empower patients to become active participants in their own care.
The Benefits of Integrated Care
Hospital director Giuliano Biselli emphasizes the importance of stress reduction in improving treatment outcomes. Reducing stress means helping treatments function better,
he stated. Yoga is viewed as a vital component of this approach, providing a space for patients to regain balance and strength. Andrea Mambrini, director of Oncology and president of the association, highlights the growing recognition that interventions improving quality of life are essential alongside conventional therapies. Integrated therapies increase adherence to treatments and help people live this period better, making them experience part of a group, not alone in the face of the disease.
A Model for Advanced Patient Support
The program has recently been indicated among the most advanced in the field of integration between care and patient support
in Bologna. Deputy director Maurizio Lucchesi explained the goal is to create a structured system that identifies patient needs and connects them with appropriate services. The program incorporates scientific monitoring, utilizing validated questionnaires to assess the impact on quality of life, stress management, and treatment tolerance over time. Every proposal has solid foundations,
noted Sara Mussi of the association.
Breathing and Movement: The Core of the Practice
The heart of the project centers on body work and breathing exercises, guided by teacher Silvia Tagliagambe. Breathing is a bridge between body and mind. The mind is not asked to calm down, but is accompanied through movement and breathing. If the body finds harmony, the mind follows naturally.
The course, designed for small groups, ensures personalized attention and adapts exercises to each participant’s condition, aiming to improve daily activities.
Patient Testimonials: Real-Life Impact
“When I got sick, my breathing had become short, almost an enemy – I experienced a constant feeling of breathlessness and fatigue. With yoga I learned to manage it. Today I can stop, listen to myself, not be overwhelmed by anxiety. Even in the most difficult moments, I feel I have an extra tool. At the beginning I was sceptical, now it has become a staple of my week.”
Manuela Colombini
“You realize that the body can still do a lot, even when you think the opposite. Breathing and movement help to deal with fear and fatigue of therapies. It’s not just physical exercise, it’s awareness. It helps you live each phase better, before, during and after treatments. Experiences like this should be everywhere.”
Giuseppe Pagano
A Holistic Approach to Healing
This integrated approach combines attentive listening with scientific rigor, offering a medicine that not only cures but too accompanies and empowers patients. The program finds in the simple act of breathing – the most natural gesture
– a key to restoring dignity, strength, and hope throughout the treatment journey.
FAQ
- What is the ‘Yoga in Oncology’ program? It’s an initiative that integrates yoga practices with traditional cancer treatments to improve patient well-being.
- Who is eligible for the program? Medically cleared cancer survivors, their family members, caregivers, friends, and oncology staff.
- What are the benefits of yoga for cancer patients? Yoga can help manage stress, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and improve overall quality of life.
Did you know? Clinical practice guidelines support the use of yoga to help cancer patients manage various symptoms and improve their quality of life.
This innovative program demonstrates the power of holistic care in supporting individuals through their cancer journey. By combining medical expertise with the ancient practice of yoga, the Apuane Hospital is setting a new standard for patient-centered care.