Research demonstrates that common symptoms seen within breast cancer patients often form clusters or groups, making them more efficient to treat in the long-term.  Some research indicates that neuroendocrine levels can predict common levels or variance of symptoms in a cluster. Research also indicates that age and similar variables can act as predictors of intensity of breast cancer symptoms. Despite promising research, the biological mechanisms that cause symptom clustering are still unknown. 

Symptom Clustering amongst Breast Cancer Patients 

A symptom "cluster" is formed when two or more concurrent symptoms that are related to each other and separate from other symptoms are present. 

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

After/during breast cancer, affected patients often demonstrate many different psychological/physical symptoms as a result of the duress of treatment and the illness. Some of these symptoms include fatigue, depression, anxiety, lack of appetite, etc., and these symptoms often form clusters. MBSR can be used to treat these symptoms/clusters in post-treatment breast cancer patients. 

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Post-treatment Breast Cancer Patients

Lengacher, Cecile A., Reich, Richard R., Post-White, Janice, Moscoso, Manolete, Shelton, Melissa M., Barta, Michelle., Le, Nancy., Budhrani, Pinky. (2012). Mindfulness based stress reduction in post-treatment breast cancer patients: an examination of symptoms and symptom clusters. Journal of Behavorial Medicine, 35, 86-94. Retrieved from: https://link-springer-com.ezp1.lib.umn.edu/article/10.1007/s10865-011-9346-4 

Mindfulness based stress reduction in post-treatment breast cancer patients: an examination of symptoms and symptom clusters

The most common physical and psychological symptoms present within post-treatment breast cancer patients can be divided into three main clusters: 

- Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Cognitive/Psychological Symptoms
- Fatigue Symptoms 

Common Psychological/Physical Symptoms within Post-treatment Breast Cancer Patients

MBSR can assist post-treatment breast cancer patients through providing participants with education on how to become more aware of one’s thoughts and patterns of thinking amidst a variety of situations, especially stressful situations. Through the ability and practice of using MBSR, participants can achieve reduced symptoms, better coping methods and reduced Interference to Daily Living.


How can MBSR help Post-treatment Breast Cancer Patients?

A type of interference for daily living is an item that may be disturbed by the presence of a particular symptom/symptoms associated with the illness in question. Amongst breast cancer patients, there are many examples of this. 




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