Meditation helps control cancer growth Study shows how

Stress worsens many diseases, and cancer is no exception. A study conducted by Dr Kimberly Bussey at Midwestern University in Arizona reveals that psychological stress is one of the key factors influencing cancer progression and a patient’s response to treatment.

According to the study, in healthy individuals, the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol is typically highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. However, in cancer patients, cortisol levels remain persistently high over a 24-hour period, triggering cancer cells to become more robust, difficult to treat, and rapidly spreading.

In these circumstances, Dr Bussey urged patients to practise mindfulness meditation techniques to calm and mitigate the condition.

“Patients should, as much as they can, do things that experts advise all of us to do to manage stress—exercise, get outside in nature, engage in mindfulness practices like journaling, meditation or deep breathing, eat a healthy diet, give back to others, and get enough sleep,” Dr Bussey said.

Benefits of mindfulness meditation
Meditation is a process that helps individuals become aware of habitual actions and gradually move away from them. It also allows one to divert thoughts to healthier directions. This technique can be useful for those trying to follow a diet or lose excess weight.
Relaxation is another benefit of meditation, which may help enhance BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), the measurement of energy expenditure during physical, emotional and digestive rest over a 24-hour period.

Stress often leads to a lack of awareness, causing people to act unintentionally. Being relaxed and maintaining a calm, serene state helps reduce such tendencies. Over time, this can help build a more mindful and balanced personality.

Mindfulness meditation: How to practise
While practising, keep your spine straight. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, focusing fully on the process of breathing—experiencing each inhalation and exhalation.

Gradually bring attention to each part of your body, one by one. Continue this for about 10 minutes, then shift your focus to the sounds around you. Do not judge these sounds—simply observe them as they are for 5–6 minutes.

Slowly open your eyes and observe your surroundings without judgement. Throughout the process, remain aware of your body and breath. Initially, it may feel difficult, but with regular practice, one can experience the true benefits of mindfulness meditation.