Is a mindfulness intervention a feasible option for managing chronic pain after cancer?

Chronic pain is common among cancer survivors, but standard treatments like opioids have risks and limited long-term relief. Mindfulness-based interventions, which combine meditation, cognitive behavioral skills, and positive emotion regulation, have shown promise for chronic pain in non-cancer populations. A recent pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) tested whether a specific mindfulness program called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) is feasible and acceptable for cancer survivors with chronic pain. The results suggest that MORE is indeed feasible and well-received, with early signals of benefit for pain interference and severity.

What the research says

A pilot RCT published in 2024 enrolled 60 cancer survivors with moderate-to-severe chronic pain and randomized them to one of three MORE formats (16-hour, 8-hour, or 2-hour) or a waitlist control ⁶. Feasibility was assessed by enrollment rates, assessment completion, and adverse events. The study found that enrollment targets were met, assessment completion was high, and no serious adverse events occurred, indicating that the intervention is safe and practical to deliver in this population ⁶. Acceptability was also good: participants showed strong treatment adherence, completed at-home practice, and reported high satisfaction scores ⁶. Preliminary efficacy data suggested that MORE may reduce pain interference and pain severity compared to control, though the study was not designed to confirm effectiveness ⁶. These findings align with broader research on mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions for chronic pain. For example, an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program for veterans with chronic pain is being developed and tested for feasibility, with a planned pilot RCT ⁹. Similarly, a mindfulness-based intervention for pain catastrophizing in sickle cell disease showed acceptable recruitment and retention rates in a pilot study ¹⁰. Together, these studies support the feasibility of delivering mindfulness interventions for chronic pain across different populations, including cancer survivors.

What to ask your doctor

• Could a mindfulness-based program like MORE be a suitable option for my chronic pain after cancer?
• Are there any local or online mindfulness programs specifically designed for cancer survivors?
• How might mindfulness complement my current pain management plan?
• What should I expect in terms of time commitment and home practice for a mindfulness intervention?
• Are there any risks or side effects I should be aware of with mindfulness for chronic pain?