Yoga & metastatic breast cancer

Many people living with metastatic, or stage IV, breast cancer practice yoga.

Gentle and restorative yoga may improve concentration and fatigue, lessen anxiety and pain, and control stress. A yoga practice can help manage feelings of uncertainty as you wait for test results. It can also help you deal with the daily stresses of living with metastatic disease.

Practicing yoga safely

There are many different types of yoga movements, including forward or side bends, twists, backbends, and inversions (poses that put your head lower than your heart). Some poses may not be right for every person with metastatic breast cancer.

Before you start a yoga practice, talk with your healthcare team. Ask about poses that are safe for you, and if there are any types of poses you should avoid or minimize.

Keep in mind some special precautions as you pursue a yoga practice:

• Go slowly.
• If you have bone metastasis, your bones may fracture more easily. Talk with your doctor about any poses to avoid, such as poses that put pressure on the spine.
• With liver metastasis, avoid poses that pull or cause tension on the abdomen, a feeling common to many yoga poses.
• Lung metastasis sometimes interferes with breathing. Yoga uses different kinds of breathing practices. Ask your care team if there are any types of yoga breathing to avoid.
• With brain metastasis, avoid inversions and poses that emphasize balance (such as Tree Pose), which could increase the risk of a fall. Talk with your doctor about ways to manage any additional risks.
• Pay attention to your body. Avoid poses or breathing practices that cause pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath. Change your position if lying flat causes trouble breathing or pain.

Your care team may suggest ways to modify poses. They may also recommend avoiding certain yoga styles. Let them know about the specific practice of interest to you, including room temperature, types of poses (photos help), and body positions during meditations.

There is no standard, one-size-fits-all guidance — only your providers can confirm whether a practice is safe for you.