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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
Mind-body imagery practice among Alaska breast cancer patients: a case study
1Mind Matters Research, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA. lfreeman@gci.net
Purpose:
To explicate patient-reported imagery themes derived from a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded clinical trial demonstrating statistical and clinical improvements in patient quality of life.
Patients And Method:
A case-study evaluation of six breast cancer patients who completed conventional care (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) for at least six weeks before participating in an intervention utilizing imagery as adjuvant care.
Results:
Thematic analysis revealed six imagery themes: (1) physical sensations in the body; (2) descriptions of health and wellbeing; (3) imagery of the natural environment; (4) imagery of colors associated with health; (5) reports of sounds associated with healing; and (6) experiences of taste and smell during imagery practice.
Conclusions:
Patients report that once the cancer is 'cured,' the long-term repercussions of cancer and its treatments are overlooked by physicians and caregivers. Imagery for 'meaning-making,' as experienced in this study, is a potent skill for supporting optimal patient recovery.
