Living Well With and Beyond Cancer
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery MBCR
Offered by Sakina Mas — Certified MBCR Facilitator, Mindfulness Teacher, Positive Psychology & Compassion‑Based Practitioner
A steady, compassionate space for patients and their support navigating the cancer journey. MBCR offers evidence‑supported mindfulness, reflections and gentle movement practices that help individuals meet the realities of cancer with more clarity, grounding, and steadiness.
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.
Today, I am proud to be the first to bring the evidence-based MBCR program to Québec, offering support in both English and French. My goal is to offer a transformative space where people navigating the cancer journey can breathe, reconnect, and feel supported.
Whether you are in treatment or in survivorship, I am here to support you in finding grounding and ease exactly as you are.
Warmly, Sakina Mas
What MBCR Is
Mindfulness‑Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a structured, evidence‑based 9 weeks program developed specifically for people affected by cancer. It teaches practical tools to help manage cancer‑related stress, emotional intensity, and the physical and psychological challenges of treatment and survivorship.
The program includes:
• body awareness
• mindfulness meditation
• gentle yoga
• 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 has been offered in clinical settings for more than 25 years and studied extensively in oncology research.
First Time Offered in Quebec and in French
Although MBCR is well‑established across Canada, it has never been offered in Quebec. Beginning in 2026, I am honoured to bring MBCR to the province, in both English and French.
Who MBCR Is For
The MBCR program is a supportive and reassuring space designed to meet you exactly where you are in your journey. Whether you seek grounding, clarity, or a moment of pause, this program welcomes those touched by cancer.
Currently in Treatment
For individuals navigating the physical and emotional intensity of active cancer treatment, providing tools for grounding and stress reduction.
Survivors
For those in post-treatment recovery or long-term survivorship, searching for ways to process the experience and move forward with steadiness.
Family & Caregivers
For loved ones and family members who walk beside the patient, offering a space for their own self-compassion and emotional support.
Format & Availabilities
Program Duration
A structured 9-week evidence-based program designed specifically for cancer recovery.
Session Details
Weekly sessions lasting 1h45 to 2h, including supportive group discussions, mindfulness and gentle yoga practices.
Format & Accessibility
Available online or in person. Conducted in a supportive group format.
Upcoming sessions:
Starting Fall 2026. Details to follow.
Onboarding:
Individual Orientation Provided
Languages:
English & French
Research & Evidence
The MBCR program helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves coping, and supports a steadier, more empowered way of navigating the cancer journey.
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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., Full Professor in Psychosocial Oncology at the University of Calgary, 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. Renowned for her pioneering research in mindfulness-based cancer recovery and integrative oncology, Dr. Carlson has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers and two books, a patient manual in 2010 with Dr Michael Speca entitled: Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery: A step-by-step MBSR approach to help you cope with treatment and reclaim your life, in addition to a professional training manual in 2009 with Shauna Shapiro entitled The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Integrating mindfulness into psychology and the helping professions.
Dr. Michael Speca, PsyD, R.Psych.
Co-creator of MBCR program. Clinical Psychologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary. Adjunct Associate Professor in the Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. In addition to his research contributions and conference presentations, as a clinical psychologist, he counseled cancer patients and their families, facilitate a range of group support programs, and cofounded the Centre's popular Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery program. He has received several awards for clinical excellence- twice from the Cumming School of Medicine’s Department of Oncology and also from the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology.
Connect
For organizations and individuals
If you have questions about the MBCR program, if you want to offer it in your community/centre or if you would like to know more on 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!