Hypnotherapy to Support Cancer Patients: Managing Symptoms and Enhancing Well-being
Posted on 3rd February 2025 at 17:32

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Just the word ‘cancer’ can cause feelings of intense fear. For those unfortunate enough to have been diagnosed with any form of cancer, there are also likely to be feelings of shock, helplessness, even anger, alongside the physical symptoms and any side-effects from cancer treatment.
Whilst hypnotherapy cannot provide a cure for cancer, as a complementary therapy, it can support those with a diagnosis in a number of ways. Drawing from reputable sources like Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, this blog explores how hypnotherapy can provide this support.
What is hypnosis, and how can it help with cancer care?
Hypnosis itself is a natural trance-like state of focussed attention and relaxation, similar to the daydream state. In hypnotherapy, we harness the power of this state in which the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to beneficial suggestions. In this way, an individual can alter their perceptions – including the perception of pain - and emotional states.
Strategies such as visualisation, subconscious association of words and phrases with a feeling of calm or confidence, and breathing techniques can be enhanced and more deeply embedded during hypnosis, thereby providing individuals with tools they can use to manage their illness and treatments.
For cancer patients, hypnotherapy is never a replacement for conventional treatments but can be a very useful tool to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Indeed, both Cancer Research UK (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/hypnotherapy) and Macmillan Cancer Support (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/complementary-therapies/mind-body-therapies) recognise the benefits of hypnotherapy as safe and effective in a number of ways.
In particular, it can:
• Provide psychological support
• Help manage treatment-related fears and stress
• Improve quality of life
Specifically, hypnotherapy can help patients:
• Reduce anxiety around medical procedures: many people are uncomfortable with hospitals, needles, blood tests and so on. Some experience significant claustrophobia that can make MRI scans terrifying. Hypnotherapy (often used effectively to overcome phobias) can help people reduce anxieties and stress associated with tests and treatments.
• Manage Physical Symptoms: hypnotherapy alters the perception of physical pain and discomfort, and has been used for the reduction and management of pain for centuries. In fact, a Scottish surgeon named James Esdaile used hypnosis as anaesthesia in surgery in the early half of the 19th century (Moss and Willmarth, 2019). It can assist in controlling common treatment side effects such as pain and nausea and, according to Cancer Research UK (nd), hypnotherapy can help patients feel more comfortable and in control of their situation. This then also has the potential to reduce the need for pain medication. Macmillan Cancer Support (nd) also cite the benefits of hypnotherapy in alleviating treatment side-effects such as nausea.
• Improve Emotional Resilience: good mental health is really important during any cancer treatment. Because hypnotherapy is often used to alleviate anxiety, and increase feelings of hope and confidence, it can be invaluable, not only for those with a cancer diagnosis, but for their loved ones, too.
• Reduce fatigue: many cancer patients report feeling exhausted as a result of both the cancer and the treatment for it. Hypnotherapy promotes deep relaxation and better sleep, thereby helping people feel stronger and better able to cope.
Important Considerations
Critical Disclaimer: Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach that can support conventional treatments, and should never be used as a replacement for medical care. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional first and use complementary therapies under medical guidance.
Support for family and friends
A cancer diagnosis affects a great many people, and in very different ways. Many loved ones report feeling helpless, fearful, stressed and even angry when someone they care about has cancer. Hypnotherapy can be a great support to help anyone affected manage anxiety, feel more positive, take good care of their own health and sleep better.
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy provides a compassionate approach to supporting individuals through their cancer journey with greater comfort and emotional resilience. By addressing both physical symptoms and challenging emotional states, it can be a powerful tool in comprehensive cancer care.
If you or a loved one are facing a cancer diagnosis and interested in learning more about how hypnotherapy can help you, please get in touch.
References
• Cancer Research UK (nd). Hypnotherapy and cancer [Online]. Cancer Research UK. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/hypnotherapy [Accessed 3 February 2025].
• Macmillan Cancer Support (nd). Cancer information and support [Online]. Macmillan Cancer Support, UK. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/complementary-therapies/mind-body-therapies [Accessed 3 February 2025].
• Moss, D. and Willmarth, E. (2019). Hypnosis, anesthesia, pain management, and preparation for medical procedures. Annals of Palliative Medicine Techniques, 8(4). Available at https://apm.amegroups.org/article/view/27360/25678 [Accessed 3 February 2025].
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