Linda Carlson – Mindfulness and Cancer

In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychosocial oncology researcher Linda Carlson. Linda has pioneered the application of mindfulness and contemplative practice for cancer patients, focusing on both psychological and biological outcomes. This conversation covers many topics, including: her path to integrating psychology, mindfulness, and cancer; early clinical trials and positive outcomes; how and why meditation can help with the stress of cancer; problems with battle metaphors related to cancer; opportunities to re-evaluate self and identity; connecting with boundlessness and interdependence; living well vs. living long; study design and control groups in meditation research; effects of mindfulness on cellular aging (telomeres); media coverage of meditation research; the power of preference in interventions; sneak preview of gene expression results; impacts on inflammation; increasing accessibility and diversity; working towards structural change in health care; and building an academic society for contemplative research. Full show notes and resources