Even short bursts of mindful breathing help to reduce the intensity of cancer pain, say researchers

Four-step approach to sessions

In light of previously published research indicating that periods longer than 10 minutes might effectively relieve pain, the researchers wanted to find out if a single session of mindfulness breathing lasting 20 minutes might do the same for patients with cancer.

To find out, they randomly assigned 40 inpatients (out of 259 approached) with different types of cancer, and a pain score of 4 or more out of 10, indicating moderate to severe pain, to one of two groups. 

One group (21 people) did a mindful breathing session, guided by a doctor who had been trained in mindfulness techniques. The session involved a brief explanation of mindfulness concepts and practices, followed by 20 minutes of mindful breathing.

The session consisted of the following four steps (each lasting five minutes)

• identifying the in-breath and out-breath
• following the entire length of the breath
• bringing the mind back to the body
• relaxing the body, starting with the head all the way down to the feet

The other group (19 people) received a 20-minute supportive listening session led by a doctor, during which they were asked about their experiences of illness using semi-structured questions. 

Before and after each intervention, the intensity and unpleasantness of every patient’s pain was measured using the validated Numeric Rating Scale (0-10), while the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), consisting of 14 items rated on a 4-point scale, was used to assess their mood. 

Background information and pertinent clinical data, such as cancer types and stages, and use of pain relief, including morphine, were retrieved from the hospital’s medical records.

The average age of the patients was 63, and although various cancer types were represented among them, one in three had bowel cancer. A total of 29 had stage III or IV disease. And nearly two in three (65 per cent) were using opioids to control their pain 

The 100% response rate and the absence of adverse events underscore the feasibility and safety of the 20-minute mindful breathing intervention. The intervention can be quickly learnt and applied with beneficial effect [Seng Beng Tan et al]

Results and conclusion

The results showed that the mindful breathing group experienced a much greater (and significant) reduction in pain intensity and pain unpleasantness than the comparison group. They also experienced a much greater reduction in HADS score.

Dr Tan and his colleagues acknowledge the relatively small size of the study, and the fact that it was carried out at one medical centre only. The nature of pain intensity/unpleasantness and psychological outcomes were also subjectively assessed.

But patients with cancer often face practical constraints, so brief mindfulness interventions that can quickly reduce pain and complement traditional pharmacological approaches are worth exploring, the authors suggest.

‘Additionally, the 100% response rate and the absence of adverse events underscore the feasibility and safety of the 20-minute mindful breathing intervention. The intervention can be quickly learnt and applied with beneficial effect,’ they note.

‘The findings suggest that this brief intervention holds promise in reducing pain intensity and unpleasantness, as well as alleviating anxiety among patients with cancer. While further research is needed to consolidate these findings, the study contributes valuable insights into a feasible and accessible non-pharmacological approach to enhance pain management in cancer care,’ Dr Tan and his colleagues they conclude.

Fact file

From three to four patients in 10 with cancer are affected by moderate to severe levels of pain worldwide. The pain is a result of the tumour compressing or invading surrounding tissues, neuropathic mechanisms and the side effects of treatment, according to Dr Tan and his fellow researchers.

Despite advances in pain management, and an evolving range of drugs and nerve blocks, inadequate pain control remains a substantial challenge for clinicians, they add.

Among the array of complementary treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, massage, acupuncture, and exercise, the value of mindfulness-based interventions is increasingly being recognised, say the researchers.

But the research to date on the effectiveness of mindfulness for pain relief has primarily focused on programmes lasting several weeks or just 5-10 minutes, or on people who don’t have cancer.

A link to the full version of the article – titled Mindful breathing for cancer pain: efficacy of a single 20-minute session – a randomised controlled study Doi: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004762 – will be added in due course.