Learning techniques such as paced breathing and relaxation can take the sting out of hot flushes for women following breast cancer treatment, research finds.
A UK study of 100 breast cancer patients with severe hot flushes and night sweats found group cognitive behavioural therapy significantly lessened the impact of symptoms on day-to-day life after nine weeks of treatment, compared with usual care.
Improvements were maintained at 26 weeks, with additional benefits to mood, sleep and quality of life, the study found.
Professor Martha Hickey, an obstetrician gynaecologist who runs the menopause services at the Women's Hospital in Melbourne, said the intervention offered women another option to effectively treat menopausal symptoms.
"It's of similar efficacy to the other non-hormonal treatments … reducing hot flushes...
This site is intended for Registered Medical Practitioners.
To make the most of Oncology Update, you need to be logged in.