Yoga for Cancer Care
Gentle, restorative yoga for people living with and beyond cancer — offered with deep care, and grounded in a real understanding of the science.
I’m Zoe. Before becoming a yoga teacher I earned a PhD in cancer sciences and spent years as a cancer researcher. My background means I bring a genuine understanding of what people are going through alongside the training to support them safely and gently on the mat.
“You have a lovely, calm and welcoming presence, creating a safe and relaxing space. The breathing techniques have been so useful — I use them at night to relax — and the deep stretching has eased the tightness across my chest and operation area. I’ve realised how important this self-care is for my wellbeing.”
Carla – Yoga for Cancer Care Session Participant
Who is it for?
This is for anyone affected by cancer — during treatment, in recovery, or living with the effects of cancer longer-term. You don’t need any prior yoga experience. The sessions are slow, supportive and adapted entirely to you and how you’re feeling that day.
Restorative and gentle yoga can be a soft, nourishing space to reconnect with your body, rest deeply, and simply breathe. We incorporate mindfulness, guided meditation and simple breathwork alongside gentle flows and restorative postures.
“I always felt safe in your classes, physically and emotionally — valued and heard. You made it clear that the intention behind a pose mattered more than the finished pose. Your course enabled me to reconnect with my body and relearn how amazing it still is. It was transformative for me.”
Fiona – Yoga for Cancer Care Course Participant
How yoga can support you
Yoga doesn’t treat cancer — but a growing body of research shows that gentle yoga can help people living with and beyond cancer feel better by easing fatigue, anxiety and low mood, supporting better sleep, and improving overall quality of life.
In 2026, a major clinical trial – the first of it’s kind, led by the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute – found that a four-week programme of gentle Hatha and restorative yoga produced clinically and statistically meaningful reductions in mood disturbance, anxiety and fatigue among cancer survivors (Choi et al., 2026). This is exactly the style of yoga that I currently teach in my yoga for cancer care sessions. Earlier published research also points to similar benefits for improving wellbeing and quality of life (Liu et al., 2022).
What I offer
- One-to-one sessions
- Small private groups
Sessions are held in person in and around Stockport — including Cheadle, Sale and Heaton Moor — at a calm, private studio. Online sessions are possible if travelling isn’t easy for you, though I find in-person sessions are where this work feels most supportive.
I also run small Yoga for Cancer Care courses from time to time. If you’d like to know when the next one opens, just get in touch and I’ll let you know.
“The way Zoe carefully constructed each class and prepared our minds was truly inspirational. She taught us techniques to calm the nervous system, ease nausea and stretch our bodies — and made us feel we could face anything. She allowed me to feel all the different feelings I’m going through, in a safe and welcoming space.”
Alison – Yoga for Cancer Care Course Participant
Training & experience
- PhD in cancer sciences; years spent in cancer research
- 200-hour qualified yoga teacher
- 40-hour Yoga for Cancer Care training
- 20-hour hands-on assist training
- Fully insured
“Through breast cancer surgery and treatment, I started to lose sight of myself. I couldn’t think of anything better to help me get back to myself — and I was not wrong. Zoe’s knowledge and thoughtful, caring nature made me feel safe and able to meet my emotions whenever they rose.”
Becky – Yoga for Cancer Care Course Participant
For cancer centres, charities & hospices
Are you a cancer support centre, charity, hospice or healthcare team looking for a qualified yoga teacher?
I’d love to hear from you.
With both a research background in cancer science and specialist Yoga for Cancer Care training, I’m well placed to deliver safe, gentle, evidence-informed sessions for the people in your care — whether that’s regular classes, one-to-ones, or a programme designed around your service.
“I left feeling much calmer and more relaxed than when I arrived. You have a very calming, reassuring approach. The session was really well planned, paced and explained — I felt in safe and knowledgeable hands.”
Laura – Yoga for Cancer Care Session Participant