What happens when people recovering from cancer take part in a mindfulness meditation course or a Tai Chi program? A major new study led by researchers from the University of Toronto and the University of Calgary set out to explore just that—and the results point to the powerful role mind-body practices can play in supporting emotional well-being after cancer treatment.
Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study was designed to evaluate two mind-body therapies: Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ). Uniquely, the trial was built to reflect real-world conditions: some participants were randomly assigned to a program, while others were able to choose the one they preferred. Regardless of how they got there, those who participated in either program experienced noticeable improvements in mood compared to those who remained on a waitlist.
“The link between patients’ mood and treatment outcomes is intriguing,” says Dr. Daniel Santa Mina, associate professor at KPE and one of the study’s designers. “People underdoing cancer treatment often experience severely depleted energy levels and lose the motivation to engage in recreational activity or healthy behaviours. This, in turn, creates a feedback loop that may lead to even poorer health behaviours, and therefore treatment outcomes—so anything that can improve patient mood or outlook is a step in the right direction.”
Led by Dr. Linda Carlson (University of Calgary) along with Dr. Jennifer Jones (Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre), and Santa Mina, the study followed more than 580 cancer survivors at two major cancer centres: the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. Participants represented a wide range of cancer types and stages. Most were women, with an average age of around 61, and all were experiencing moderate distress following cancer treatment.
MBCR is a structured, group-based program that teaches mindfulness meditation, body awareness and gentle yoga over the course of nine weeks. TCQ, in contrast, is a movement-based program that blends Tai Chi and Qigong techniques—slow, flowing movements, breathing exercises and focused attention—delivered over 11 weeks. Both programs included home practice and were adapted to meet the physical needs of participants.
The study’s main outcome focused on mood disturbance, assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. Participants who completed MBCR reported reduced feelings of tension and anger and felt more energetic. Those in the TCQ program reported decreased anger and depression, and similarly experienced increased vigour.
Importantly, the method of enrolment—whether participants chose a program or were assigned one—had no significant effect on outcomes. The benefits were consistent across the board. According to Santa Mina, this finding supports the use of both interventions in flexible, patient-centred ways. “These are programs that can be implemented in diverse settings with broad eligibility,” he says. “They’re effective regardless of how participants arrive at them.”
The researchers also observed some interesting subgroup differences. Women tended to benefit more from the mindfulness-based program than men, while younger participants and those with more advanced cancer saw greater improvements with Tai Chi/Qigong. Santa Mina notes that this kind of information can help tailor supportive care offerings.
“Understanding how different individuals respond helps us design better programs—ones that meet people where they are, emotionally and physically,” he says.
The MATCH study is one of the largest trials to date comparing two active mind-body interventions in a cancer population, and one of very few to include a preference-based design. The findings underscore the value of integrating supportive programs into cancer care—particularly those that support emotional recovery through gentle movement or mindfulness training.
As more survivors look for ways to navigate the lasting emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis, the study offers strong evidence for two accessible, non-pharmacological options. For KPE researchers, the project highlights how movement-based research continues to inform real-world health outcomes, particularly in populations with complex care needs.
Further analyses from the study—examining quality of life, physical health, and spiritual well-being—are forthcoming. For now, the message is clear: both mindfulness and Tai Chi have an important role to play in helping people heal.