6 Myths About Teaching Yoga for Cancer
In the course of my many years of supporting people with cancer I have come across several misconceptions about what ‘yoga for cancer’ is and what is required of a yoga teacher to work with this population.
In addition, cancer can be a highly charged subject area. Most people are affected by cancer in one way or another and it’s not uncommon for people to have strong feeling or beliefs about working with people who have or are recovering from cancer.
Recently, I encountered several strong opinions about my work in this field and felt it helpful to clear up some of these misunderstandings. Here are some of the most prevalent myths about teaching yoga for people affected by cancer, and why they often miss the mark.
Myth #1: You Need Medical Training to Teach Yoga for Cancer
One common misconception is that to teach yoga to cancer patients, a teacher needs to be a medical professional or have some kind of medical training. While having a medical background might sound advantageous, it's not necessary for yoga instructors. Just as yoga teachers can guide individuals with conditions like arthritis without being a rheumatologist, they can also support people with cancer through knowledge of holistic practices. Yoga teachers are not offering cancer treatments but rather complementary support that helps people manage their physical and emotional wellbeing during and after treatment.
What is essential is a solid understanding of how cancer treatments impact individuals physically, mentally and emotionally, which is covered extensively in my training. Years of collaboration with healthcare professionals and direct feedback from students have given me insight into how best to support these individuals without needing a medical degree. So, while a deep respect for the medical realities of cancer is crucial, medical certification isn’t a prerequisite to teaching yoga in this context.
Myth #2a: You Must Have Experienced Cancer Yourself to Teach Yoga for Cancer
Some people believe that only those who have had cancer themselves can truly understand and teach yoga to cancer patients. While having personal experience with cancer can offer unique insights, it isn't a requirement or a qualification on its own. For example, one doesn’t need to have been pregnant to effectively teach prenatal yoga.
Each person’s cancer journey is different, and there is a risk when we have our own experience of feeling like we know how it is for others. Cancer affects people differently based on factors like the type and stage of cancer, the treatment plan and personal health background. We need to be mindful not to project our own experience onto others as this can be counterproductive. Our training includes personal development work to help teachers hold compassionate boundaries and recognize that everyone’s experience is unique. The goal is to support each student individually rather than relying solely on personal experience.
Myth #2b: You Shouldn’t Teach Yoga for Cancer if You Have Had Cancer
Having addressed the potential risks of having had a personal diagnosis it certainly doesn’t preclude anyone from teaching yoga for cancer. Having a personal experience can increase the understanding and empathy of what others are going through and how yoga can be helpful to cope with the impact of diagnosis and treatment.
Many teachers who have successfully completed my training came to it because of their own diagnosis and desire to help others and have gone on to offer amazing classes and workshops. It is important to reflect on when is the right time to do the training as some people need to process their experience before teaching others. This is why I have a conversation with everyone who would like to join the course to ensure it is the right training and the right time.
Myth #3: People with Cancer Don’t Want to Be Treated Differently
Another myth is that individuals with cancer prefer not to treated any differently from others in class. While it’s true that no one wants to feel like they’re being pitied, singled out or seen as less capable, most people appreciate when their specific needs are acknowledged and met with sensitivity. In much of their everyday life people often try to carry on as normal, may be fearful of losing work or relationships if they ask for ‘too much’ and may mask their true feelings.
Having a yoga class which embraces and addresses the unique physical and emotional needs of those going through or recovering from treatment can make a significant difference to their wellbeing. Rather than feeling out of place, students often feel seen and supported when classes are adjusted to meet their needs, even if these adaptations are subtle.
Myth #4: Any Yoga Teacher Can Adapt Classes for Cancer Patients
While skilled yoga teachers can adapt classes for a variety of student needs, specialized training is valuable when working with people dealing with complex medical conditions like cancer. Yoga for cancer goes beyond simply modifying poses; it involves understanding the nuances of treatment side effects and how they impact a person physically, mentally and emotionally.
In feedback from students who attended mainstream classes, many shared that instructors, despite their best intentions, lacked the knowledge to make the necessary adjustments for safety and comfort. There was a feeling that they didn’t quite ‘get it’. Additionally, many teachers I speak to express a desire for specialized training to feel fully confident in supporting these students. With proper training, teachers gain the knowledge to accommodate issues like fatigue, pain, or restricted mobility safely and effectively, as well as understanding the range of emotions that someone with cancer may go through.
Myth #5: There’s No Such Thing as “Yoga for Cancer”
There is also the notion that there’s no specific “yoga for cancer”—that yoga is yoga, and any general class should suffice. This myth ignores the personalized approach that’s crucial for supporting individuals in cancer treatment. Yoga for cancer is not a one-size-fits-all program with a fixed sequence of poses; instead, it’s a flexible, adaptable approach based on each student’s unique needs.
In my training, I teach fundamental principles that allow teachers to adapt any class structure to meet these needs. For example, classes for those in treatment may involve slower, more mindful movement to encourage students to reconnect with their bodies, especially as they adapt to physical changes. We encourage teachers to use underlying principles as a guide rather than rigid sequences, which fosters a supportive environment where students can explore what works best for them.
A key feature of yoga for cancer is that we take a therapeutic approach. The choice of practises in any lesson is based around what is actively beneficial for those in the class, rather than simply adapting student to do the class that has been planned. For example, this might mean emphasizing bone-strengthening postures, movements that aid range of movement and lymphatic flow following surgery or restorative poses to combat fatigue.
Myth #6: Yoga for Cancer Is a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Finally, some assume that a “yoga for cancer” class must be a standardized sequence with all participants doing the same things in unison, or prescriptive program following a ready-made set of classes week by week.
In reality, my approach emphasizes individualized care within a group setting. I offer options that cater to different levels of strength, energy, and flexibility, allowing everyone to move at their own pace while still feeling connected to the group.
Our philosophy is about finding a way for each person to do their own version of a pose or movement, so everyone is participating together but in a way that works for them. This adaptable style means that students can tune into their own needs, choose rest when necessary, or challenge themselves safely.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that teaching yoga to people affected by cancer requires empathy, adaptability, and specialized knowledge. Whatever your yoga teaching background you can learn how to adapt your teaching approach to support people with cancer in your classes. My training helps you gain the skills and confidence to be able to offer tailored support to your students in a compassionate and informed way. By dispelling these myths, we can pave the way for more effective, supportive yoga classes that truly serve the needs of cancer patients and survivors.
If you’d like to find out more about my approach or feel ready to take some training I offer 3 levels:
Introductory Self-Study Module
Yoga for Cancer Holistic Teacher Training Course
You can also book a discovery call with me here.