The Case for Oncology Yoga
Oncology Yoga is not just beneficial—it’s essential. It supports cancer patients and survivors through every phase of their journey and plays a critical role in long-term health. Here are four compelling reasons why:
#1. Cancer Survivorship Is Widespread and Growing
- Globally, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022; projections suggest this may surge to 35 million annually by 2050—a 75% increase driven by aging populations and lifestyle risk factors. Source
- In the U.S. alone, nearly 18.6 million individuals were living as cancer survivors as of May 2025 (about 5.4% of the population), with estimates rising to 26 million by 2040. Source
- Lifetime risk of a cancer diagnosis now stands at about 39%. Source
#2. Managing Treatment Side Effects is Crucial
Cancer treatments save lives, but they also create significant physical and emotional side effects. These side effects can affect:
- Daily functioning
- Adherence to treatment protocols
- Overall treatment outcomes
- Risk of recurrence and secondary conditions
Modern oncology now emphasizes self-management and survivorship care, recognizing that patients who take an active role in their recovery experience better outcomes.
#3. Survivorship Guidelines Recommend Movement
The American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend survivors follow general public guidelines:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (like brisk walking or yoga), or
- 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity
- Plus, 2 or more strength training sessions each week
These aren’t temporary goals—they’re lifelong recommendations for supporting recovery, preventing recurrence, and improving overall health.
Yet new data show only 15.9% of U.S. survivors meet both aerobic and strength guidelines. Source Other studies estimate that the vast majority of cancer survivors worldwide are failing to adhere to exercise recommendations. Source
Our goal: support survivors in achieving 150 minutes of yoga weekly, year-round—as a sustainable foundation for lifelong wellness.
#4. Yoga’s Therapeutic Impact Is Evidence-Based
A robust and growing body of scientific studies shows that yoga helps cancer survivors by:
- Increasing strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility
- Improving metabolic health (blood sugar, cholesterol, weight management)
- Enhancing emotional health (reducing anxiety, depression; improving sleep, fatigue, and quality of life)
- Supporting immune function
Crucially, meeting activity guidelines—including yoga—has been linked to 35% lower mortality risk among survivors (cancer.org and ascopubs.org). Emerging research suggests structured physical activity can rival the efficacy of drug treatments in reducing recurrence by ~28% and death by ~37% (thetimes.co.uk).
Oncology Yoga is more than a movement practice – it is medicine. Our mission is to provide access to as many cancer survivors as possible.