ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Cancer and its conventional treatments may bring about some psychological and health-related symptoms leading to unstable cortisol level. Since evidence has shown that mindfulness based approaches can be helpful to reduce cortisol level, we aimed at investigating the efficacy of   mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on decreasing salivary cortisol level in the women with breast cancer. 
             Methods: in this one- group pretest posttest study, the women with early stage breast cancer were assessed to select eligible ones (N = 15). They were first trained for collecting salivary cortisol sample (before, after and follow-up)   and then were asked to participate in MBCT, an eight-week session approach.  Participants provided salivary samples in the morning (7: 30- 8:30), afternoon (1-3) and night (9-11).  To measure cortisol, Cortisol Enzyme Immunoassay Kit was used. Analysis was performed on the data of 12 participants remained, using repeated measurement.
              Results: the results of repeated measure ANOVA revealed that cortisol level of posttest (after 8-weeks of MBCT and follow-up period) in comparison with pretest was significantly reduced for morning and afternoon cortisol while it was not true for night cortisol.  The post-treatment cortisol was not significantly correlated with age groups, education levels and socio-economic status using repeated measure ANCOVA.   
             Conclusion: Given that the women with breast cancer are at the high risk of psychological distresses and unstable cortisol level, we recommend mindfulness-based approaches esp. MBCT to health providers specifically those working with breast cancer patients.
             Keywords: Mindfulness, MBCT, Cortisol , Salivary Cortisol, Breast cancer.