Yoga and Cancer

Yoga as Support Through Cancer

You've received a cancer diagnosis.
I'll guide you – with yoga tailored to your situation.
For more strength, inner calm and quality of life – at every stage of the illness.

My Services
Background

Why Yoga for Cancer?

A cancer diagnosis throws most people off balance. Suddenly so much is beyond your control, stress and worry drain your energy, and everyday life can feel overwhelming. Yoga can serve as a holistic, complementary support – helping you regain clarity, strength and inner balance. The benefits of yoga for cancer patients are now backed by numerous scientific studies and are recommended in official medical guidelines.

Phase 1

Right After Diagnosis

Yoga offers simple yet powerful methods to:

  • Reduce stress and break the cycle of racing thoughts
  • Make decisions with greater clarity
  • Strengthen your sense of agency
  • Regain a feeling of inner calm and orientation

This makes the path through treatment a little easier – with more energy for daily life and active participation in your own recovery.

Phase 2

During Treatment

Yoga is especially valuable not only because it stimulates the immune system but also because it can measurably alleviate treatment-related side effects – including fatigue, lymphedema, polyneuropathy, restricted mobility, sleep disorders, digestive problems, hormone-related menopausal symptoms as well as anxiety and depression.

Appropriately adapted yoga supports the body in maintaining flexibility, strength and energy. Breathing exercises (pranayama), relaxation techniques and meditation help stabilise the nervous system, find inner calm and activate the body's self-healing powers.

Phase 3

After Treatment

Even after completing treatment, it's worthwhile to integrate yoga into daily life long-term. Some side effects may persist and can still be alleviated. Additionally, a balanced lifestyle with regular, appropriate exercise can contribute to recurrence prevention. Yoga practice promotes:

  • Mental balance and inner stability
  • Physical activation and purposeful movement
  • Flexibility, strength and well-being
  • The ability to take conscious breaks and practise self-care

In this way, yoga becomes a valuable companion for a healthy, mindful lifestyle after cancer.

Learn more about the scientific foundations and guidelines at Yoga und Krebs under "Patients" and at www.dgyo.de
About Me

Experience, Expertise and Heart

Petra Banzhaf – Yoga for Cancer

I hold a degree in Social Sciences and have been teaching yoga with passion and continuous professional development since 2006. For me, yoga is far more than movement – it's a path to greater joy, stability, clarity and inner balance, especially during challenging phases of life.

700h Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga Yoga Alliance Certified Back Yoga Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis Mindfulness-Based Bodywork HPP in Training

I firmly believe that every person can practise yoga. Yoga doesn't mean you have to contort yourself – even with severely limited physical abilities, an adapted practice can have a wonderful effect. My personal experiences with cancer in my family have strengthened my desire to provide qualified support to people during this phase of life.

My Specialisation: Yoga for Cancer

I am a certified Yoga and Cancer instructor, trained at the Kammler Academy in Cologne by Gaby Nele Kammler – speaker for the German Cancer Aid and founder of the German Society for Yoga in Oncology (DGYO).

The training combines solid oncological expertise with a carefully adapted yoga practice. Key focuses include holistic support and strengthening at every stage of illness and recovery, as well as professional management of side effects – including fatigue, lymphedema, polyneuropathy, osteoporosis, treatment-related hormonal changes, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety.

Services

Yoga for Cancer – For You

Personal Yoga: Individual Support

In a 1:1 setting, I focus specifically on your personal situation:

  • What treatment phase are you in?
  • What is your current capacity?
  • Which side effects are particularly challenging right now?
  • What do you need – and what does your body need – today?

The practice is always adapted to your current condition: sometimes energising, sometimes stabilising, sometimes restorative. Sessions can take place at your home or in the studio, as you prefer.

Price: by arrangement (depending on travel distance and location)

Group Course: Yoga for Cancer

Starting March 2026 in Berlin-Weißensee

When Thursdays, 12:00–1:00 pm (+ time for tea and conversation) Start 5 March 2026 Where Studio Born Yin – Yoga & Wellness, Gustav-Adolf-Str. 15, 13086 Berlin-Weißensee Participants max. 8 people 10-class pass 160 Euro (extended validity possible during treatment or absences. One to two reduced-price spots are available per course for people with limited income) Trial class 14 Euro

The group courses are based on the principles of Yoga for Cancer and take into account scientific evidence, typical treatment-related side effects, and the particular physical and emotional-mental situation of the participants. I offer every exercise at different intensity levels, so you can practise at the level that suits your condition and how you're feeling on the day.

Please get in touch by phone or email before your first session so we can discuss any individual questions.
Contact

I'd Love to Hear From You

Do you have questions, want to sign up, or would you like a no-obligation conversation? Don't hesitate to reach out.

Phone +49 173 7973117
Email banzhaf.p.a@gmail.com
Location Berlin
Send an Email