Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety and functional recovery in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: A prospective study

Patients with head and neck malignancies frequently experience substantial psychological distress and functional impairment during radiotherapy, yet structured interventions targeting both domains are lacking. This prospective controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) program on anxiety and functional recovery in individuals undergoing curative radiotherapy. A total of 100 eligible patients were enrolled and assigned to either the MBI group or a control group receiving standard care. The MBI group participated in weekly guided sessions and daily home practice. Anxiety and functional status were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Head and Neck (FACT–H&N) questionnaire. Compared to controls, the MBI group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in anxiety and improvements in functional outcomes at both post-treatment and follow-up (P < 0.01). Adherence to the program was high, with 84% of participants completing ≥6 sessions, and satisfaction scores averaged 8.9/10. No adverse events were reported. A moderate negative correlation was observed between anxiety and function at follow-up (r = –0.52, P < 0.01), supporting a dual-benefit effect. These findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions are feasible, well-accepted, and clinically beneficial in reducing emotional distress and supporting functional rehabilitation during radiotherapy. The results advocate for the integration of structured psychosocial approaches into comprehensive cancer care, particularly in high-risk populations.