EFFECTIVENESS OF MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUE ON STRESS AMONG WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER AT SELECTED HOSPITAL, CHENNAI

Background: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, accounting for 1 in 4 cancer cases. It is a serious, stressful and life-threatening disease among women. Almost 50% of all cases are in the age group of 25-50.

Aims & Objectives:To study the effectiveness of mindfulness technique on level of stress among women with breast cancer.

Methodology:The researcher adopted a quasi-experimental research design for the study.200 women with breast cancer (study -100 & control-100), who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected as samples by using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Written informed consent was obtained from the women with breast cancer. Researcher used perceived stress scale to assess the level of stress. Mindfulness technique practiced 15-30 minutes per day for 5 to 7 days for a period of 8 weeks.

Results: The study findings showed that the pretest mean stress score was 26.22 and the post-test mean stress score was 17.12 and the mean difference score was 9.10 which was significant at p<0.001 level in study group whereas in control group there was no significant difference between the pre (mean-27.02, SD-3.69) and posttest (mean-26.37, SD-3.87) mean stress score among women with breast cancer.

Conclusion:The study concluded that the mindfulness technique was effective in reducing stress,coping and quality of life among women with breast cancer.