Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a condition addressed within oncology. Research related to it includes outcomes such as fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, quality of life, body composition, inflammatory markers, and stress-related measures.
A focused starting point for understanding breast cancer within oncology.
This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.
What may help
What studies found for each option, best evidence first.
22 options:2 good evidence9 some evidence10 not enough evidence1 not tested in people
CardiopracticeGood evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Good human studies found a benefit, and they mostly agree. This is about what studies measured, not a cure.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Pooled analyses of randomized trials in women with breast cancer found improvements in fatigue and physical function. Another pooled analysis of 26 RCTs involving 1803 female breast cancer patients reported changes in IGF-axis and metabolic markers; its reported optimal dose was 560-1080 METs·min/week.
Open the Cardio pageMeditationpracticeGood evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Good human studies found a benefit, and they mostly agree. This is about what studies measured, not a cure.
7 of 8 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A 2026 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported g=−1.48 across 40 effect sizes and g=−2.43
Open the Meditation pageHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 6 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Pooled randomized trials in breast cancer survivors reported improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life and inflammatory markers; another analysis found better VO2peak, with potential benefits for muscle strength, fatigue and emotional well-being.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pageQigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 10 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Qigong pageAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 7 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
In women with stage IV breast cancer and moderate to severe fatigue interference, an RCT found less fatigue interference with ACT than with education/support. Two RCTs also found reduced perceived cognitive impairment.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) pageDancepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Dance pageMassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Massage pageMindfulness MeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
13 of 14 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
Open the Mindfulness Meditation page
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What may help
Interventions recorded as helping with this condition22 listedHighest probability, strongest evidence
- →PracticesCardioCertaintyHighSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect
Pooled analyses of randomized trials in women with breast cancer found improvements in fatigue and physical function. Another pooled analysis of 26 RCTs involving 1803 female breast cancer patients reported changes in IGF-axis and metabolic markers; its reported optimal dose was 560-1080 METs·min/week.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open CardioStudy result
Pooled RCTs in women with breast cancer show AE alone significantly improved fatigue and physical function versus controls, both patient-important outcomes, with very low to low certainty.
- →PracticesMeditationCertaintyHighSourceMeta-analysisSmall effect
A 2026 pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded reported g=−1.48 (95% CI −2.03 to −0.93) across 40 effect sizes and g=−2.43 (95% CI −3.51 to −1.35)
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open MeditationStudy result
g=−1.48 (95% CI −2.03 to −0.93) across 40 effect sizes; adapted MBIs in breast cancer g=−2.43 (95% CI −3.51 to −1.35)
Medium probability(9)(0)(9)
- →PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis
Pooled randomized trials in breast cancer survivors reported improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life and inflammatory markers; another analysis found better VO2peak, with potential benefits for muscle strength, fatigue and emotional well-being.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Study result
Meta-analysis of RCTs in breast cancer survivors reporting benefits of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life and inflammatory markers; certainty rated low by GRADE.
- →PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis
A pooled analysis of randomized trials reported reduced fatigue with Qigong (SMD -0.86). In another review of people with breast cancer, Qigong favored quality of life and reduced anxiety, but did not show a significant depression benefit; certainty was low to very low.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Breast Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
Open QigongStudy result
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs reporting significant fatigue reduction with qigong (SMD = -0.86).
- →PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT
In women with stage IV breast cancer and moderate to severe fatigue interference, an RCT found less fatigue interference with ACT than with education/support (p = .018). Two RCTs also found reduced perceived cognitive impairment (FACT-Cog, P=0.000, between-group d=1.98).
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Study result
Two RCTs showed significantly reduced perceived cognitive impairment (FACT-Cog, P=0.000, between-group d=1.98).
- →PracticesDanceCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effect
A pooled analysis of randomized trials favored Dance over control for anxiety, although certainty was low and results were highly heterogeneous (g = −1.31; SMD = −7.54). A pooled meta-analysis of 12 RCTs also reported improvements in quality of life (SMD 0.62, 95% CI 0.20-1.05) and depressive symptoms (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.50 to -0.12).
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open DanceStudy result
Pairwise and NMA estimates favored Dance over control for anxiety (g = −1.31; SMD = −7.54), with low certainty and high heterogeneity.
- →PracticesMassageCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect
A subgroup analysis across 4 trials reported an improvement with massage (SMD = −1.01, 95% CI [−1.50, −0.51], P < .00001). A review also reported improvements in range of motion, lymphedema volume, quality of life, pain, fatigue, and psychological distress among people with breast cancer.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
Open MassageStudy result
Subgroup analysis: SMD = −1.01, 95% CI [−1.50, −0.51], P < .00001 (4 trials)
- →PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect
Pooled randomized trials in people with breast cancer reported improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life with MBSR versus usual care. A separate pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found reductions in anxiety (MD=-0.67) and depression (MD=-2.26) scores with mindfulness-based interventions versus control.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open Mindfulness MeditationStudy result
Pooled RCTs in breast cancer patients showed significant improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue and QoL with MBSR versus usual care.
- →PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A pooled analysis of randomized trials in women with breast cancer found improved quality of life and reduced pain. A 2026 review of Pilates as an exercise intervention in patients with breast cancer reported no contraindication.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Diabetes Type2
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Prostate Cancer
- +1 more
Open PilatesStudy result
Included studies with women with breast cancer; Pilates improved quality of life and reduced pain.
- →PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A pooled analysis of 65 randomized trials reported improved sleep quality and quality of life among people with breast cancer. Another pooled analysis reported moderate health-related quality-of-life improvement with remote Yoga in women with breast cancer, but also noted substantial heterogeneity.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Insomnia
- Sleep Apnea
Open YogaStudy result
Network meta-analysis of 65 RCTs showing yoga significantly improves sleep quality (PSQI) and quality of life (FACT-B) in breast cancer patients
- →PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A review pooling analyses whose designs were not recorded reported improvements in quality of life, range of motion, and some symptoms across 7 studies. A separate trial protocol described yoga as intended to alleviate complaints but reported no outcome data.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Autoimmune Disease
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Depression
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
Open Hatha YogaStudy result
Systematic review of 7 studies showing improvements in QOL, ROM, and some symptoms.
Low probability(10)(0)(10)
- →PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyLowSourceRCT
Research has included breast cancer survivors and patients receiving chemotherapy. A trial in Chinese American breast cancer survivors assessed quality of life, but the reported finding does not describe the direction of the result.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
Open Expressive WritingStudy result
Review population is patients with breast cancer, including survivors and patients receiving chemotherapy.
- →PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceRCT
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded reported reductions in body weight, glucose and insulin, without an increase in chemotherapy toxicity; however, a 2025 review found no demonstrated impact on treatment outcomes or chemotherapy-related toxicities, so findings disagree. In a small, single-centre randomized trial of 44 people, the fasting-mimicking diet group had lower rates of grade III vomiting and neutropenia and more frequent tumor response.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
Open FastingStudy result
Meta-analysis showing significant reductions in body weight, glucose, insulin, and no increase in chemotherapy toxicity.
- →PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A review covering 16 RCTs in breast cancer survivors reported improvements in muscle strength, functional capacity, and physical function, though certainty was very low. Separate pooled results could not establish a preventive effect on lymphedema occurrence, arm volume, quality of life, pain, range of motion, or grip strength; resistance training was probably safe with mild transient adverse events.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open Strength TrainingStudy result
16 RCTs of upper, lower, and combined RT in breast cancer survivors showing improvements in muscle strength, functional capacity, and physical function, though certainty of evidence is very low
- →PracticesAnusara YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A review described women’s qualitative perceptions of therapeutic Yoga across several health concerns, including Breast Cancer, but did not analyze effects specific to this condition. These findings therefore do not establish a breast-cancer-specific effect.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer
- Endometriosis
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
Open Anusara YogaStudy result
Qualitative perceptions from women participating in therapeutic yoga across these health concerns; the review did not analyse condition-specific effects.
- →PracticesBox BreathingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
One controlled trial involving 140 people with breast cancer found progressive stress reduction with Box Breathing compared with routine care (P<0.001). Allocation was by hospital site, participants were not blinded, and outcomes were categorical.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open Box BreathingStudy result
Single controlled trial (n=140) showing significant progressive stress reduction with box breathing vs routine care (P<0.001); allocation by hospital site, no blinding, categorical outcomes only
- →PracticesBreathworkCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a trial of 76 participants, pranayama reduced total symptom burden compared with routine care at all post-baseline time points. A separate trial of 60 participants reported better sleep quality in the pranayama group than in the other groups.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open BreathworkStudy result
RCT (n=76) showing significant reduction in MDASI total symptom burden with pranayama breathing vs routine care (η²=0.431, P<0.001) at all post-baseline time points
- →PracticesGratitude JournalCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A randomized trial involving 60 breast cancer patients found between-group improvements in K-GQ-6, K-CD-RISC, and FACT-B scores after 3 weeks of gratitude journaling compared with no intervention.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open Gratitude JournalStudy result
RCT (n=60) in breast cancer patients showing significant between-group improvements in K-GQ-6, K-CD-RISC, and FACT-B scores after 3 weeks of gratitude journaling vs no intervention
- →PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
An RCT in 41 people with Breast Cancer found significant improvements in shoulder mobility and upper extremity strength with combined mobility and strength training during rehabilitation. A pilot study in 22 women awaiting surgery found prehabilitation feasible and favorably received, with clinically meaningful improvements in functional capacity and no adverse events.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open Mobility TrainingStudy result
RCT showing significant improvements in shoulder mobility and upper extremity strength with combined mobility and strength training in breast cancer patients during rehabilitation.
- →PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical
An RCT involving 66 female breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue reported reduced fatigue with Swedish massage compared with a waitlist. Another RCT involving 100 people reported improved mood disorders compared with control.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open Swedish (Classic) MassageStudy result
Randomized trial in female breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory > 25) showing MFI reduction with SMT versus waitlist.
- →PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A single-arm pre-post study found that 13 breast-cancer patients who completed 12 weeks of online vinyasa yoga reported improvements in sleep, mood, self-confidence, enjoyment of daily activities, and overall health self-assessment. A separate trial protocol targeted women with endocrine therapy-associated musculoskeletal complaints but reported no outcome results.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Breast Cancer
Open Vinyasa YogaStudy result
Protocol states that the target population is women with endocrine therapy-associated musculoskeletal complaints; no outcome results are reported.
Very low probability(1)(1)(0)
- →SupplementsChagaCertaintyVery lowSourceAnimal research
Inonotus obliquus extract can inhibit tumor growth to some extent, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of cyclin expression.
Open ChagaWho was studied
- People with a condition
What to avoid
Interventions recorded as making it worseNothing in this library is currently recorded as making Breast Cancer worse. Coverage is partial, and absence here is not evidence of safety.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Breast cancer is a condition addressed within oncology. Research related to it includes outcomes such as fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, quality of life, body composition, inflammatory markers, and stress-related measures. These outcomes describe aspects that may be studied in people with breast cancer; they do not define the condition itself. This reference is educational, and questions about breast cancer should be discussed with a clinician.
Evidence-backed options
The most clinically relevant findings concern supportive care rather than treatment of the cancer itself. Hatha Yoga was evaluated in people with breast cancer and was associated with improvements in quality of life, body composition, and inflammatory markers compared with vitamin D alone. Across 13 RCTs, MBSR was associated with reduced early fatigue, with a smaller significant effect still reported at 3- to 6-month follow-up. Anusara Yoga was associated with improvements in cancer-related fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, and quality of life, while a pilot study of Yoga reported improvements in symptom-cluster severity, depression, and health-related quality of life.
Tai Chi was studied in 59 women with stage I-III breast cancer, with benefits reported after the intervention and at 1-year follow-up. These findings provide some information about persistence, although the available descriptions do not specify intervention durations for the yoga programs or meditation.
Several supplement-related findings are less directly applicable to people receiving care. CBD findings are described as preclinical, including work focused on tumor burden and metastatic potential in triple-negative breast cancer. Garlic evidence includes a study in mice, while findings for flaxseed oil and Vitamin C do not establish that these options treat breast cancer in people. Aloe Vera did not reduce radiotherapy-related skin toxicity in the described studies. Calcium evidence is inconclusive, and findings involving selenium are inconsistent; human studies of Lutein have shown minimal effects on cancer. Coenzyme Q10 was studied at 300 mg/day alongside doxorubicin, without changing doxorubicin pharmacokinetics or being associated with treatment-related adverse events. Interpretation of any option should account for the person’s cancer treatment and be discussed with a clinician.
What to avoid
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), Maca Root, Tribulus Terrestris, and Saw Palmetto are flagged because of a potential hormonal concern in hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Their listed rationales involve possible estrogenic or other hormonal activity that could theoretically stimulate cancer growth or hormonal stimulation. For Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), the concern relates to icariin’s demonstrated phytoestrogenic activity. Maca Root may have weak estrogenic activity, while Tribulus Terrestris and Saw Palmetto carry a theoretical risk of hormonal stimulation.
These concerns apply specifically to the possibility of hormone-sensitive cancer responding to hormonal activity; they do not establish that these supplements cause cancer growth. The rationales are precautionary and include both pharmacology-based and theoretical considerations. Anyone with breast cancer, particularly hormone-sensitive disease, should review these supplements with a clinician who can consider the individual cancer and treatment context.