A brief session of
guided mindfulness-based meditation may help women undergoing a stereotactic breast biopsy to feel less anxious, according to a recent study published in
the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Large-core needle
stereotactic breast biopsy, sometimes just called ‘core biopsy,’ is used to
sample tissue deep within the breast and is done with only local anesthesia.
High distress before and during the procedure is uncomfortable for patients and
can contribute to appointment cancellations, incomplete procedures,
complications, and longer procedure times, the study authors write.
‘A stereotactic
breast biopsy is a procedure that has a high frequency and is really
stressful,’ said lead author Dr Chelsea Ratcliff, an assistant professor of
psychology at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The study,
albeit a small one, suggests that short-term mindfulness meditation can be
effective in such a setting. However, Dr Ratcliff has said that the study needs
to be replicated and expanded.
Journal reference: Ratcliff, C G et al. ‘A
Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Mindfulness Meditation for Women
Undergoing Stereotactic Breast Biopsy.’ Journal
of the American College of Radiology, online October 12, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2018.09.009.
