EVALUATION OF THE BENEFITS OF SOPHROLOGY FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIOTHERAPY

EVALUATION OF THE BENEFITS OF SOPHROLOGY FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIOTHERAPY

Anxiety is a common symptom among patients undergoing radiation therapy, stemming from their cancer diagnosis, anticipation of side effects, and the specific challenges associated with the treatment sessions. The technical nature of the treatment, the medical setting, and the daily repetition of sessions can exacerbate this anxiety. This anxiety is likely to impair quality of life, treatment tolerance, and patient adherence to the care pathway. In this context, managing anxiety during radiation therapy is a major challenge in supportive care. Since 2021, the Finistère Center for Radiation Therapy and Oncology has been offering sophrology sessions to its cancer patients as part of a comprehensive support program aimed at improving their quality of life. The aim of the study is to assess the potential benefits of this approach and better understand its impact on patients' experiences during treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults with cancer requiring radiation therapy lasting at least 3 weeks,
• Primary sites: ENT cancers, Thoracic cancers, Breast cancers, Pelvic cancers, Gastrointestinal cancers
• WHO performance status 0 or 1

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing treatment other than radiation therapy alone
• Patients already attending sophrology sessions elsewhere
• Patients under protective measures
• Patients receiving psychiatric care
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• Patients not covered by social security