Janet C. Ruzich studies how various treatments, particularly yoga, can aid cancer survivors in managing symptoms such as fatigue and pain. She has researched the effectiveness of yoga programs on diverse groups, especially cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy and older patients recovering from cancer. Additionally, she investigates how misconceptions about medical imaging can affect pain and physical function in patients with joint and muscle pain. Her work benefits both cancer survivors and individuals facing musculoskeletal disorders, aiming to improve their quality of life through effective, non-invasive approaches.
Key findings
In a study of 49 cancer survivors, 86% reported that a yoga program helped them manage symptoms and improved their physical quality of life.
Younger cancer survivors experienced a 4.0 point reduction in fatigue, while older survivors had a 3.1 point decrease, demonstrating significant improvements across both age groups.
For every additional misguided belief about medical imaging reported, patients with musculoskeletal disorders experienced increased pain interference and decreased physical function.
In a group of 18 patients with localized esophageal cancer, 61.1% showed some level of response to an intensified chemoradiotherapy treatment, with a three-year overall survival rate of 30%.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Ruzich study cancer treatments?
Yes, she researches various cancer treatment strategies, including the effects of yoga on cancer survivors and different chemoradiotherapy approaches.
What conditions does Dr. Ruzich focus on?
Her work primarily focuses on cancer survivors dealing with fatigue and pain, as well as patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Is yoga effective for cancer-related fatigue?
Yes, her studies have shown that yoga can significantly help cancer survivors manage fatigue and improve their quality of life.
Who would benefit from Dr. Ruzich's research?
Cancer survivors, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, and patients with musculoskeletal disorders looking for non-invasive treatment options would benefit from her research.
What are some outcomes of Dr. Ruzich's research?
Her research has found that yoga can lead to notable improvements in quality of life and pain management for cancer survivors and has highlighted the impact of beliefs on pain levels in musculoskeletal patients.
Publications in plain English
The Effect of Yoga on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Cancer Survivors: A Secondary Data Analysis.
2025
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine
Arana-Chicas E, Lin PJ, Sun H, Gada U, Chakrabarti A +11 more
Plain English This study looked at how yoga can help cancer survivors from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds cope with fatigue related to cancer and improve their quality of life. Researchers analyzed data from 49 participants who practiced a yoga program specifically designed for cancer survivors and found that, while the improvements in fatigue were modest, there was a notable increase in the physical aspect of quality of life. Most participants (86%) felt the program helped them manage their symptoms and would recommend it to others.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer survivors, particularly those from racially and ethnically diverse groups.
Do Maladaptive Imaging Beliefs Predict Self-Reported Pain Interference and Physical Function in Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders?
2024
The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy
Plante J, Kucksdorf J, Ruzich J, Young JL, Rhon DI
Plain English This study looked at how certain mistaken beliefs about medical imaging affect pain levels and physical abilities in people with muscle and joint pain. Researchers found that having more of these harmful beliefs was linked to higher pain interference and reduced physical function. Specifically, for each additional misguided belief, patients reported a slight increase in pain interference and a decline in physical function over six weeks.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with musculoskeletal disorders and physical therapists.
Arana-Chicas E, Lin PJ, Gada U, Sun H, Chakrabarti A +10 more
Plain English This study looked at how yoga can help reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors aged 60 and older compared to those younger than 60. It found that both age groups showed significant improvements in fatigue levels, with younger participants reporting a reduction of 4.0 points and older participants 3.1 points, as well as improvements in overall quality of life. This matters because effective, low-cost interventions like yoga can enhance well-being in cancer survivors, regardless of age.
Who this helps: Cancer survivors and their healthcare providers.
Selective dose escalation of chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer: role of treatment intensification.
2004
Seminars in oncology
Seung SK, Smith JW, Molendyk J, Bader SB, Phillips M +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy could improve outcomes for patients with localized esophageal cancer. Out of 18 patients treated, 61.1% showed some level of response to the treatment, and overall survival rates were 30% at three years, with some patients surviving longer based on their weight loss before treatment. This is important because it offers a potential treatment option for esophageal cancer patients who may not respond well to standard therapies.
Who this helps: This helps patients with localized esophageal cancer and their doctors in choosing treatment plans.
Supriya G Mohile Karen M Mustian Evelyn Arana-Chicas Po-Ju Lin Hongying Sun Umang Gada Alisha Chakrabarti Charles Kamen Ana P Cupertino Benjamin T Esparaz
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
.
Publication data from
PubMed
.
Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.