The Quick Answer (TL;DR)
- Both mindfulness meditation and tai chi/qigong improved mood in cancer patients.
- The choice may depend on personal preference and health profile.
What helps most during cancer: stillness or movement?
That was the question behind the MATCH Study (Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health) — the largest clinical trial to date comparing two mind-body practices in oncology.
Led by the University of Calgary and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the study involved over 590 participants diagnosed with various types of cancer, all experiencing emotional distress.
Researchers compared two well-known interventions:
- The Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) program
- A tailored Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) training
Both groups showed significant improvements in mood.
Mindfulness reduced anxiety and tension more effectively.
Tai chi had a stronger impact on symptoms of depression.
Interestingly, results also varied by profile:
Women benefited more from mindfulness, while younger patients and those with advanced-stage cancer responded better to movement-based practice.
Participants either chose their preferred method or were randomly assigned — but both groups improved similarly.
This suggests that the key factor may be consistent engagement, more than the specific practice itself.
The study led by Dr. Linda Carlson found that both interventions were equally effective in improving overall mood, regardless of whether participants chose their preferred program or were randomly assigned. Rather than a competition, the findings highlight the importance of matching the practice to each person’s needs.
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) proved more effective for reducing anxiety and tension—especially among women—while Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) had a stronger impact on depressive symptoms, particularly in younger participants and those with more advanced disease.
A Practitioner’s Perspective: Beyond the Study
From my experience guiding people through these practices, I strongly adhere to the idea of consistency. It’s not about what is “better,” but about being steady and constant—especially when working with people who are going through emotionally challenging moments, such as facing cancer.
In this sense, the key lies in staying as present as possible and cultivating, through regular practice, a sense of emotional, mental, and physical stability and reliability. The goal is not to transcend time and space, but to learn how to live fully within the present circumstances, especially during moments of discomfort.
Regarding Tai Chi and mindfulness, I would like to add that, although they can be practiced separately, it is important to recognize that Tai Chi is, in itself, a form of mindfulness. Part of the practice involves turning the mind inward—bringing awareness to posture, movement, and breathing. This creates an inherent regulation of the mind that naturally arises from the discipline.
As for mindfulness on its own, one of the simplest ways to cultivate present-moment awareness is to sit quietly in a comfortable place, close your eyes, and focus on observing your breath or physical sensations for about 20 minutes. For beginners, this is an excellent daily exercise to help establish a consistent and supportive practice.
References
- Carlson LE, et al. (2025). Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 43. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-02540
- Breastcancer.org: Tai Chi and Mindfulness Improve Mood in Cancer
