Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Quality of Life and Mental Health Among Women With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which integrates cognitive therapy principles with mindfulness practices, may address both psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) among women with cancer. However, its specific benefits in this population remain insufficiently synthesized.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term (post-intervention) and longer-term (≥3 months follow-up) effects of MBCT on quality of life and mental health outcomes in women with cancer.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted from inception to March 2026. Eligible studies included adult women with cancer receiving MBCT and reporting quantitative outcomes on quality of life or mental health. Risk of bias was assessed using standard tools. Where appropriate, random-effects meta-analyses were performed.

Results: Thirteen studies (n = 766) were included, of which nine contributed to meta-analysis. Participants had a mean age of 49.46 years, with breast cancer being the most common diagnosis (n = 10 studies). MBCT demonstrated improvements in QoL and selected mental health outcomes at both post-intervention and follow-up (all p < 0.05). Improvements were most consistent for fatigue, fear of cancer recurrence, and mindfulness. However, the certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low, primarily due to small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and risk of bias.

Conclusions: MBCT shows preliminary promise in improving QoL and psychological outcomes among women with cancer and may be feasibly integrated into survivorship care. However, findings should be interpreted with substantial caution given the limited certainty of evidence. Larger, methodologically rigorous trials are needed to confirm these exploratory effects.