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The effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the psychological and physical health of cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Haiyin Deng·Danting Long·Huichang Zhou·Zhiming Tang
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Abstract

PURPOSE: No prior systematic review has specifically evaluated the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving both psychological and physical outcomes among cancer populations. This study aims to assess MBCT's effects on cancer patients' mental and physical health. METHOD: Following PRISMA guidelines and with PROSPERO registration (CRD42023453581), we systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched up to June 2026. Eligible trials enrolled adults (≥ 18 years) with any cancer type/stage, compared MBCT delivered per standard manual against non-MBCT controls, and reported at least one validated measure of distress, depression, or anxiety; secondary outcomes included fatigue, quality of life, and mindfulness skills. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane tool; random-effects meta-analyses were performed in Stata 16. RESULTS: 11 RCTs comprising 1122 participants (mean age 54.8 years; 91% female) were included. MBCT produced large, significant reductions in psychological distress (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI-1.27 to-0.40), depression (SMD = -0.95, 95% CI -1.40 to-0.49), and anxiety (SMD = -0.86, 95% CI -1.22 to-0.51). It also markedly decreased fatigue (SMD = -0.83, 95% CI-1.10 to-0.56), improved quality of life (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI 0.22-0.88), and enhanced mindfulness skills (SMD = 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis is the first to exclusively synthesize RCT evidence of standardized MBCT in cancer care, demonstrating significant dual benefits for emotional and physical well-being while providing strong support for integrating MBCT into comprehensive oncology rehabilitation.

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HumansAnxietyCognitive Behavioral TherapyDepressionFatigueMindfulnessNeoplasmsOutcome Assessment, Health CarePsychological DistressQuality of LifeStress, PsychologicalCancerMental healthMindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapyPhysical healthJournal ArticleMeta-AnalysisSystematic Review

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Haiyin Deng, Danting Long, Huichang Zhou, Zhiming Tang. 2026-08-11. The effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the psychological and physical health of cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2026.112958

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Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Systematic Review resourceAnxiety subjectCancer subjectCognitive Behavioral Therapy subjectDepression subjectFatigue subjectHumans subjectJournal Article subjectMental Health subjectMeta-Analysis subjectNeoplasms subjectOutcome Assessment, Health Care subjectSystematic reviews study

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