Women given a brief hypnosis session just before having a lumpectomy or breast biopsy experienced less pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress afterward. They also needed less anesthesia and spent less time in the operating room, according to a recent controlled study. The hypnosis, administered by a psychologist trained in the technique, consisted of suggestions for relaxation and pleasant visual imagery as well as advice on how to reduce post-op symptoms.

Hypnosis may be especially helpful for people who are stressed out by dealing with their cancer, say the researchers.