Overcoming Barriers to Yoga Implementation in Cancer Care: A Call for Integration

Abstract

Integrating yoga into cancer care is gaining attention due to its potential benefits, including improved quality of life, reduced treatment-related side effects, and enhanced psychological health. However, its adoption in clinical practice is hindered by various barriers. These barriers include limited access and availability, particularly in rural or low-resource settings; cultural and psychological misconceptions; skepticism among healthcare providers; and a lack of standardized protocols. Additionally, the perceived lack of rigorous scientific evidence and insufficient funding for research pose significant challenges to its acceptance in oncology care. This editorial explores these barriers and proposes solutions to promote the integration of yoga into standard cancer treatment. By addressing these challenges, yoga can move from being an adjunctive therapy to becoming a core component of comprehensive cancer care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: barriers; cancer care; complementary cancer care; complementary therapy; qol; quality of life (qol); research; yoga; yoga therapy; barriers.