Mindfulness-based Interventions Across the Cancer Continuum in the United States: A Scoping Review

Objective: To review mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) tested in randomized controlled trials (RCT) across the cancer continuum. Data Source: Articles identified in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Two independent reviewers screened articles for: (1) topic relevance; (2) RCT study design; (3) mindfulness activity; (4) text availability; (5) country (United States); and (6) mindfulness as the primary intervention component. Data Extraction: Twenty-eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Data was extracted on the following variables: publication year, population, study arms, cancer site, stage of cancer continuum, participant demographic characteristics, mindfulness definition, mindfulness measures, mindfulness delivery, and behavioral theory. Data Synthesis: We used descriptive statistics and preliminary content analysis to characterize the data and identify emerging themes. Results: A definition of mindfulness was reported in 46% of studies and 43% measured mindfulness. Almost all MBIs were tested in survivorship (50%) or treatment (46%) stages of the cancer continuum. Breast cancer was the focus of 73% of cancer-site specific studies, and most participants were non-Hispanic white females. Conclusion: The scoping review identified 5 themes: (1) inconsistency in defining mindfulness; (2) differences in measuring mindfulness; (3) underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minorities; (4) underrepresentation of males and cancer sites other than breast; and (5) the lack of behavioral theory in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the MBI.