Yoga Versus Standard Care for Reducing Fatigue in Hispanic Cancer Survivors (YOCAS©®)

A Feasibility Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Yoga Versus Standard Care for Treating Fatigue in Hispanic Cancer Survivors

This is a phase II 2-arm randomized controlled trial comparing yoga (Yoga for Cancer Survivors, YOCAS©®) to standard care in reducing cancer-related fatigue in Hispanic cancer survivors. Survivors randomized to Arm 1 will receive Standard Care and Arm 2 will receive standard care plus a four-week YOCAS©® intervention where Hispanic survivors attend yoga sessions together. Investigators will acquire preliminary data on cancer-related fatigue, as well as, secondary data on other common side effects.

Primary Aim:

To collect preliminary data comparing the effects of a YOCAS©® intervention to standard care on changes in cancer-related fatigue among Hispanic cancer survivors immediately post-intervention.

Secondary Aims:

A) To collect preliminary data comparing the effects of a YOCAS©® intervention to standard care on changes in quality of life and physical functioning.

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

Arm 1 = Participants undergo standard follow-up care provided by their treating oncologists as appropriate for individual diagnoses. Participants in the control condition are offered the 4-week YOCAS©® program gratis after completing all study requirements.

Arm 2 = Participants undergo the YOCAS©® intervention comprising 18 specific physical postures and mindfulness exercises focused on breathing and meditation and meet with the yoga instructor over 75 minutes 2 times a week for 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a confirmed diagnosis of solid tumor or hematologic malignancy
• Have completed all chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation therapy within the last 2 years
• Have a score ≥4 on a 0-10 fatigue screening scale
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Self-identify as Latino/a or Hispanic
• Be able to read and understand English or Spanish
• Be able to provide written informed consent
• Have the ability to attend 8 yoga sessions in-person

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have contraindications to yoga participation per their primary physician or oncologist
• Have practiced yoga within the 3 months prior to enrolling in the study
• Be planning to start yoga on their own during the time they are enrolled in the study
• Have distant metastases