Relaxation training during chemotherapy for breast cancer improves mental health and lessens adverse events

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression and other adverse events often accompany chemotherapy for breast cancer and can result in reduced quality of life for patients. The present study was aimed to determine whether relaxation training intervention reduces anxiety and other adverse reactions during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

Using a prospective, randomized study design, patients with breast cancer were divided into a control group (n=50) and an experimental group (n=50). Patients in the control group received routine nursing care; those in the experimental group received routine nursing care plus relaxation training, which comprised controlled abdominal breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Anxiety Inventory and Rotterdam Symptom checklists were administered to patients in both groups before and after chemotherapy to assess mental and physical health status. Mean scores were compared by ANOVA.

Mean baseline scores were similar between control and experimental groups before chemotherapy began. Following chemotherapy, all measures in the control group significantly increased from baseline while all measures in the experimental group were similar to baseline. After chemotherapy, mental and physical health scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).

Relaxation training during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety and other adverse events in postoperative breast cancer patients. This should be considered a valuable complementary approach in improving patient care.