Hypnosis eases pain and anxiety during rectal cancer procedure, study finds

This study tested whether a self-regulation hypnotic intervention could help reduce pain and anxiety during brachytherapy for rectal cancer. Fifty-two adults were randomly assigned to receive either hypnosis training or standard care with pain and anxiety medication. Researchers measured self-reported pain and anxiety, vital signs, and facial expressions of pain. The goal was to see if hypnosis could lower the need for medication and improve the patient experience.