Cancer, caused by cells that divide uncontrollably, continues to be one of the most devastating diseases in modern day. Although research has advanced, we are still trying to find a cure to cancer. Just this year, around 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer. That's around 2 million people who will experience fatigue, pain, stress, and more. However, music therapy is a safe and viable way to reduce the pain that patients experience.
Music therapy is exactly as it sounds! It uses music and elements of music to reduce stress in patients. However, that doesn't mean music therapy is the same as simply listening to music to relax. According to Cleveland Clinic, "a qualified music therapist must plan and lead the session within a therapeutic relationship for it to qualify as this form of treatment." In a research paper by Trigueros-Murillo, Ana et al., the group of scientists found that music intervention can reduce stress more effectively than standard care, and that "music involves cognitive engagement and distraction". Additionally, listening to music helps the body release dopamine--a hormone--that can reduce fatigue and manage cancer pain. Music also has the ability to increase immune cells too.
Music therapy has benefits for people of all ages. Additionally, anyone can benefit from music therapy, so you don't need to have a serious illness to get it. The goal of this treatment is to connect with others, reduce pain, and show that music can help create peace in our hectic lives!
Works Cited:
Calagna, Kelly. “Healing Rhythm.” MD Anderson Cancer Center, www.mdanderson.org/publications/conquest/healing-rhythm.h36-1592991.html. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. “Music Therapy: What Is It, Types & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 July 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy.
“Common Cancer Sites - Cancer Stat Facts.” SEER, seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/common.html#:~:text=How%20Many%20People%20Are%20Diagnosed,How%20Do%20Cancer%20Rates%20Compare? Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Trigueros-Murillo, Ana et al. “Effects of music-based interventions on cancer-related pain, fatigue, and distress: an overview of systematic reviews.” Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer vol. 31,8 488. 24 Jul. 2023, doi:10.1007/s00520-023-07938-6 Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board