Though not traditionally prescribed for cancer treatment, hypnosis may offer some moderation of pain intensity.
According to a study by the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, hypnosis may help alleviate pain and suffering in women with breast cancer.
The study measured pain and suffering among 124 women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Researchers noted pain levels at four-month intervals for a year.
Women in the treatment group received instruction in hypnosis and participated in group psychotherapy to manage their pain. Those women reported “significantly less increase in the intensity of pain and suffering over time,” compared with the group of women who didn’t have psychotherapy treatment.
Even though women in the treatment group reported less intense pain and suffering, there was no reduction in the frequency of pain episodes. Researchers found the patients who could be hypnotized more easily had greater benefits from hypnosis and they used it more outside of group sessions.
“These results suggest that although hypnosis is not at present standard practice for treating a wide range of symptoms that trouble cancer patients, it is worth examining that potential,” said Lisa D. Butler, associate professor in UB’s School of Social Work and first author of the study.
The study was published last year in the journal Health Psychology.
More About Hypnosis
If your only experience with hypnosis is from watching television shows, you may not realize that people under hypnosis still have control over their actions. They may be more open to suggestion, but aren’t made to do something involuntary. According to Mayo Clinic, hypnosis has been used for pain control, smoking cessation, reducing stress related to medical procedures, weight loss and more.
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