Kvillemo, P., & Branstrom, R. (2011). Experiences of a mindfulness-based stress-reduction intervention among patients with cancer. Cancer Nursing, 34, 24–31.

To examine the perceived effects and experiences of mindfulness-based stress-reduction (MBSR) training as described by patients with cancer

Eight group sessions of a modified MBSR program using relaxation, meditation, and yoga exercises. The instructors were two clinical psychologists. At the end of the intervention, quantitative psychological measures were assessed and participants were invited to participate in a semistructured telephone interview regarding their experiences. This study reports on the data from the qualitative analysis of interviews.

• Mean patient age was 54 years, with a range of 31–65 years.
• The sample was 100% female.
• Seventeen patients had breast cancer and 1 had lymphatic cancer.
• All patients had been treated with chemotherapy, and the patients with breast cancer had also been treated with surgery and radiation therapy.
• Twenty-eight percent of the participants were on antidepressive medication.

• Single site
• Sweden

• Patients were undergoing long-term follow-up.
• The study has clinical applicability for late effects and survivorship.

A qualitative study design was used.

Thematic analysis of audiotaped interview transcripts

Meditation and yoga exercises were experienced as most positive. The group itself offered a positive effect through shared experience, nonjudgmental approach, and acceptance.

The thematic analysis was insufficient to offer support for the researchers’ conclusions.

• The study had a small, self-selected sample.
• Thematic analysis and participant characteristics were not explored sufficiently to recommend the intervention.

This intervention requires significant training, time, and effort for implementation.