Enhancing Quality of Life in People With Lung Cancer: An Integrative Program of Yoga, Education, and Group Support.

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and is associated with various unmet supportive care needs. To address these needs, a 6-week virtual program called Inspire Now was developed, integrating yoga, education, and group support. The primary objective of this mixed-methods observational study was to evaluate the program's impact on quality of life (QOL). Secondary objectives included changes in participant-identified concerns, participants' qualitative experiences, and acceptability of virtual delivery.

METHODS

Eligible participants included people with primary lung cancer enrolled in the program. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and program completion. QOL and patient-identified concerns were evaluated by within-person changes in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Lung (FACT-L) and Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW). Qualitative experiences and feasibility of virtual delivery were obtained by MYCaW and an internally developed questionnaire. FACT-L and MYCaW were analyzed using paired t-tests, and qualitative data was evaluated by an inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-five participants were enrolled and 31 were eligible for analysis. Most were female (87%), had stage IV disease (68%), and were on active treatment (74%). Significant improvements were observed in FACT-General and Lung scores (mean changes: +6.1, 95% CI 2.2- 10.0, P = .003; +5.9, 95% CI 1.1-10.7, P = .02, respectively). MYCaW concerns and overall wellbeing were significantly improved. Participants viewed the virtual format favorably. Emotional support and connection were the most valued aspects of the program.

CONCLUSIONS

A 6-week virtual program of yoga, education, and group support improved QOL, patient-specific concerns, and wellbeing for those with lung cancer.