Mind–Body Intervention for Post-Surgical Breast Cancer Patients in Southern Italy: A Pilot Feasibility Study of Qigong on Patient-Reported Symptom Burden and Emotional Well-Being

Abstract

Simple Summary Breast cancer survivors often continue to experience pain, fatigue, sleep problems, hot flashes, anxiety and emotional distress after surgery, even when their cancer treatment has been successful. These symptoms can reduce quality of life and are not always adequately managed by standard medical care. This pilot study explored whether Qigong, a gentle practice that combines slow movements, breathing exercises, and relaxation, could help improve physical and emotional well-being in women recovering from breast cancer surgery. Fourteen women participated in an eight-week Qigong program delivered within a public integrative oncology clinic. Most participants reported improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, mood, sleep, and overall well-being, and the program was safe and well accepted. Although this was a small pilot study, the findings suggest that Qigong may be a useful supportive therapy alongside conventional cancer care and provide a strong basis for larger clinical studies to confirm its benefits.