Mindfulness Practices to Promote Health During Cancer Treatment
Exploring mind-body practices and fostering community during cancer care
This series of four weekly group medical visits is designed to support people in treatment for cancer (or on a break from treatment) and their loved ones. Integrative oncologists Dr. Chloe Atreya and Dr. Kavita Mishra focus on how to make transformational lifestyle changes to promote health and well-being using mindfulness-based, mind-body medicine approaches. These evidence-based practices, recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Society for Integrative Oncology, American Society of Clinical, and the American Cancer Society, can help alleviate common symptoms such as anxiety, depression, eating challenges, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain. Each session will include teaching, experiential practice, time for discussion and individual consultations.
- Session 1: Mindfulness Practices for Emotional Regulation
- Session 2: Mindful Eating
- Session 3: Meditative Movement
- Session 4: Mind-body Practices for Fatigue and Sleep
Eligible patients include those with cancer and receiving treatment at UCSF. Participants must be available to attend all 4 sessions.
To register, please ask your doctor to place a referral. A referral is required, regardless of insurance. For additional questions, call the Osher Center Clinic at 415-353-7700.
Who are these sessions for?
This group is for adults with cancer undergoing active treatment and adults with cancer on a treatment break (in between therapies).
Does insurance cover these visits?
Yes. These visits are billed as video visits like a usual oncology visit. If your insurance denies the charge for these visits, or if you do not hear from your insurance company but receive a bill from UCSF, please contact Patient Financial Services. Their number is (866) 433-4035 or (415) 353-3333. Their hours are 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. Please also notify Dr. Atreya via MyChart.
Where do these sessions take place?
All sessions will take place virtually on Zoom.
What can I expect?
The aim of this group medical visit is to support patients undergoing active cancer treatment (or on a break from treatment) and their loved ones using mindfulness and mind-body medicine techniques. Mindfulness practices are recommended to address common cancer symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, eating challenges, and sleep disturbance, and improve quality of life. See Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need to Know for more information. Each session will include teaching, experiential practice, time for discussion, and individual consultations.
What is Mindfulness? Is it the same as Meditation?
Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, with an open and accepting attitude (without judgment). Any activity can be done mindfully: washing dishes, folding laundry, and even listening. It is not relaxation, although it can lead to relaxation sometimes. Meditation is one of many ways to practice mindfulness. Other ways include creative expression, movement, breathing techniques, etc.
Can I sign up if I cannot attend all four sessions?
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all 4 sessions. However, if you have to miss session (or part of a session), the content will be summarized as an After Visit Summary (AVS) in MyChart. If the sessions conflict with one of your medical appointments, we can try to assist in rescheduling your appointments or arranging a space to join from the clinic. Please contact Dr. Atreya via MyChart if you require accommodations.
Do I have to take notes during the session?
You may, but the content will also be available to you as an After Visit Summary on MyChart after each session, so it is not necessary.
Can a family member attend?
Yes, you may invite one friend or family member to attend the
