Evaluating the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Cancer Care: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer patients often face a multitude of psychological and physical challenges, including pain, anxiety, and nausea, which significantly impact their quality of life. Hypnotherapy has emerged as a potential complementary therapy to address these issues, yet its efficacy and implementation in oncology care require comprehensive evaluation. This review aims to synthesize current research findings on the use of hypnosis in cancer care, exploring its effectiveness in pain management, anxiety reduction, control of nausea and vomiting, and overall enhancement of life quality. Through a systematic search of major databases, this article critically examines the methodologies, outcomes, and theoretical frameworks of existing studies. It also discusses the psychological and spiritual implications of hypnotherapy for cancer patients, highlighting its potential to support holistic healing processes. Furthermore, the review addresses practical considerations for integrating hypnosis into oncology settings, including training for practitioners, patient acceptance, and the therapy's compatibility with conventional treatments. Despite certain limitations and the need for further research, preliminary evidence suggests that hypnotherapy can offer meaningful benefits to cancer patients, advocating for its consideration as a valuable adjunct in comprehensive cancer care. This review underscores the importance of future studies to explore innovative hypnotherapy techniques and their long-term impacts on patient well-being and treatment outcomes.