Impact of Yoga Practice on Mitigating Side Effects, Enhancing Quality of Life, and Promoting Longevity Among Cancer Thrivers in Kerala, India

Purpose:This study investigates the impact of customized yoga practice on mitigation of side effects, quality of life and longevity in cancer survivors in Kannur, Kerala, India. Method: An observational study was conducted among 323 cancer survivors, categorized into four groups: breast, head and neck, gynaecological, and other types. Participants were trained in yoga postures customized to the needs unique to different cancer types and the post-treatment sequelae, and followed up from 2006 to 2024. The outcomes were recorded using a subjective improvement scale of 0-10 to assess the positive effects of yoga on the reduction of symptoms, enhancement of QOL at baseline, 0-2, 3-6, and 7+ years Results: Findings indicate that consistent yoga practice significantly increased survival rates and reduced disability. Survivors of Breast cancer showed the most pronounced benefits, followed by head and neck. Gynaecological survivors demonstrated moderate improvement in early years, with marked increases after 7+ years. Regular yoga practice enhances resilience and coping ability, contributing to long-term well-being and longevity. Conclusion:Yoga improves longevity, quality of life, and reduces treatment-related side effects in survivors. This study's findings confirm yoga as a holistic, low-risk intervention that enhances physical and psychological well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Notably, despite challenges in tracking long-term survivors, our sample size of 323 (2.31% of the State of Kerala's estimated 14,000 survivors in the 2000s) is substantial, underscoring the study's significance and reliability.