Living Well With and Beyond Cancer
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
A mindfulness program to support you throughout
the cancer journey
Offered by Sakina Mas — Certified MBCR Facilitator, Mindfulness Teacher, Positive Psychology & Compassion‑Based Practitioner.
A steady, compassionate space for people affected by cancer and their loved ones : The MBCR program offers research-supported mindfulness practices, guided reflections, and gentle movement to help you better navigate the realities of cancer, reduce stress and anxiety, ease symptoms such as fatigue and sleep difficulties, and feel more grounded in everyday life.
About me
Welcome, I’m Sakina.
My approach is rooted in warmth and presence, founded on the belief that even in our hardest moments, we can discover a sense of inner quiet and resilience.
As a certified MBCR Facilitator and mindfulness teacher, I offer a trauma-sensitive environment where you can feel truly seen and heard while navigating the complexities of cancer.
My commitment to this work is deeply personal. Following my own breast cancer diagnosis nine years ago, mindfulness became my vital anchor, helping me move through recovery with clarity and self-compassion.
Over the years, this experience has grown into a broader calling: dedicating my professional life to supporting people affected by cancer, with research-supported practices and a deeply human presence.
My intention is to create a transformative space where those navigating the cancer journey can reconnect with themselves, replenish their inner resources, and feel genuinely supported.
Today, I am proud to be the first to offer the research-supported MBCR program in Québec, in both French and English.
Whether you are in treatment or have completed treatment, I am here to support you in finding greater grounding and ease, wherever you are today.
Warmly, Sakina Mas
What MBCR Is
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a structured 9-week program supported by clinical research and developed specifically for people affected by cancer and their loved ones. It offers practical tools to help manage cancer-related stress, emotional intensity, and the physical and psychological challenges that can arise during and after treatment.
The program includes:
• body awareness
• mindfulness meditation
• gentle, mindful movement
• compassion‑based practices
• inquiry and reflection
• simple daily home practices
MBCR is based on Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Jon Kabat‑Zinn, PhD, and adapted for oncology populations.
Official MBCR Website
A 25‑Year Clinical Program
Created in 1998 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary by Dr. Linda Carlson and Dr. Michael Speca, MBCR is offered in clinical settings and has been the subject of numerous oncology studies. Research has shown significant improvements for people affected by cancer, including reduced stress and mood disturbance, enhanced quality of life, healthier cortisol and immune patterns, and lower blood pressure.
First Time Offered in Quebec
Although MBCR is well established elsewhere in Canada and internationally, it has not yet been offered in Québec. Beginning in 2026, I am honoured to introduce this evidence‑based program across the province, in both French and English.
Who MBCR Is For
The MBCR program offers a supportive and reassuring space that meets you where you are in your cancer journey. Whether you are seeking grounding, clarity, or simply a moment of pause, the program welcomes people affected by cancer and their loved ones.
During Treatment
For people navigating the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment, with tools to help manage stress, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and certain other treatment-related side effects.
After Treatment
For those who have completed treatment and want to navigate life after cancer, cope with effects that may persist, and find greater balance in everyday life.
Loved Ones & Caregivers
For loved ones and family members supporting someone affected by cancer, offering a space to cultivate self-compassion and receive emotional support.
Format & Availability
Program Duration
A structured 9-week program supported by research and developed specifically for people affected by cancer.
Session Details
Weekly sessions lasting two hours, including supportive group discussions, mindfulness and gentle mindful movement practices.
Format & Accessibility
Conducted in a supportive group format.
In person.
Online.
Upcoming sessions:
Starting Fall 2026. Details to follow.
Onboarding:
Individual Orientation Provided
Languages:
English & French
Research & Evidence
Research on MBCR has demonstrated benefits related to stress, anxiety, coping, quality of life, sleep, fatigue, emotional regulation, and certain physiological measures.
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Stress and anxiety reduction
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Improved coping and quality of life
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Better sleep and reduced fatigue
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Enhanced emotional regulation
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Cortisol, immune patterns, and blood pressure
Dr. Carlson’s work demonstrates that reducing stress and anxiety can improve quality of life and support a more active role in one’s recovery.
Program Creators
Dr. Linda Carlson, PhD, R.Psych., is a Full Professor in Psychosocial Oncology at the University of Calgary. She has held the Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial Oncology since 2007 and serves as Director of the Alberta Complementary Therapy and Integrative Oncology (ACTION) Centre. She is also Past-President of the Society for Integrative Oncology.
Internationally recognized for her pioneering research in mindfulness-based cancer recovery and integrative oncology, Dr. Carlson has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles and two books: Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (2010), co-authored with Dr. Michael Speca, a guide for people affected by cancer, and The Art and Science of Mindfulness (2009), co-authored with Shauna Shapiro, a professional resource for clinicians.
Dr. Michael Speca, PsyD, R.Psych., is co-creator of the MBCR program. A clinical psychologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Division of Psychosocial Oncology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, he has contributed to research, counselled people affected by cancer and their families, facilitated group support programs, and co-founded the Centre’s Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery program. He has received several awards for clinical excellence, including two from the Cumming School of Medicine’s Department of Oncology and one from the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology.
Connect
For People and Organizations
f you have questions about the MBCR program, would like to offer it in your community or centre, or would like to learn more about upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact me through the form below or email me directly. I look forward to hearing from you!