Over the years, music has been linked to many health benefits like reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It is not uncommon for healthcare professionals to incorporate music as an essential part of their treatment plans.

One area where music is gradually gaining prominence is in cancer treatment.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth and uncontrolled spread of cells in the body. These cells can invade other tissues and organs, leading to severe health issues.

Cancer can affect various parts of the body, such as the lungs, breasts, prostate, and colon. It is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of cases diagnosed yearly.

What Causes Cancer?

Researchers believe that several factors could cause cancer. These include exposure to certain chemicals, unhealthy lifestyle choices, infections, and genetic variations. However, some forms of cancer may develop spontaneously without a particular cause.

Conventional Cancer Treatment Methods

Conventional cancer treatment aims to remove the malignant cells from the body. These treatment options include:.

Surgery: This is a common treatment method for cancer patients. It involves the removal of the tumor and the cancerous tissue.
Radiation therapy: This treatment involves the use of high-energy radiation to eliminate cancer cells or shrink cancerous tumors.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment method that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells or reduce their growth.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment method that enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells naturally.

How Can Music Help in Cancer Treatment?

While conventional treatment is the primary cancer treatment option, it sometimes has some side effects. These side effects can be physical, emotional, or psychological. This is where music therapy comes in.

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that uses music to help promote wellness and alleviate pain.

It involves the use of different music genres to help patients relax, decrease stress, manage pain, improve communication, and express their feelings.

The Benefits of Using Music in Cancer Treatment

The use of music therapy in cancer treatment has numerous benefits for patients. These benefits include:.

Reduces stress: Cancer treatment can be stressful for patients. Music therapy is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Improves mood: Music has a direct effect on the brain. Listening to music or participating in music therapy sessions can brighten a patient’s mood, even when going through a difficult time.
Helps to manage pain: Cancer patients often suffer from different types of pain. Music has been proven to help manage different kinds of pain, both physical and emotional.
Increases body awareness: Music therapy can help improve physical mobility and body awareness in cancer patients. This can be particularly helpful for patients going through chemotherapy or recovering from surgery.
Improves communication: Expressing one’s feelings through music can be easier and less intimidating than with words. Music therapy can help patients better communicate with their healthcare providers.

How is Music Used in Cancer Treatment?

Music therapy in cancer treatment can take different forms. Here are some common methods:.

Listening to music: Patients can listen to music that suits their mood and preferences during chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Music-assisted relaxation: Patients can listen to soothing music while practicing different relaxation techniques like deep breathing to help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.
Interactive music therapy: This form of music therapy involves a patient and a music therapist working together to compose or perform a specific piece of music.
Music and physical therapy: This form of therapy targets the physical wellness of a patient. Music may be used to help improve mobility and balance by creating specialized music for each patient’s physical capabilities and limitations.

What to Expect During a Music Therapy Session

If you or a loved one is considering music therapy as an adjunct cancer treatment option, here are some things you should know about what to expect during a music therapy session:.

Assessment: Before starting, the music therapist will carry out an assessment to determine the patient’s listening preferences, abilities, and needs.
Treatment Plan: After the initial assessment, the music therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and responses to music.
Session Format: Sessions can either be in individual or group settings, depending on the patient’s preference.
Sessions Duration: Music therapy sessions usually last between 30 and 60 minutes. The frequency of the sessions depends on the patient’s condition and treatment plan.

How to Find a Music Therapist

If you or your loved one wants to incorporate music therapy into their cancer treatment plan, it is essential to choose a qualified music therapist. Here are some tips on how to find a music therapist:.

Check with your healthcare provider or cancer center.
Visit the American Music Therapy Association website.
Seek recommendations from other cancer survivors or support groups.
Contact local music therapy organizations.

The Bottom Line

Cancer is a severe health condition that requires specialized care. The use of music therapy as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatments has shown significant benefits to patients.

As music therapy continues to gain prominence in cancer treatment, it is essential to know its benefits, forms, and how to find a qualified therapist.