September 28, 2020 | Blogs and News
By Mireille Karadanaian — 1 min read —
During the month of September, we honor all the children in the world who tackle cancer daily. National Tackle Kids Cancer is designated on September 15, and since its creation 4.5 million dollars have been raised from over a dozen countries to help pediatric cancer research.
At Children’s Music Fund, we focus on the benefits Music Therapy provides for our cancer patients. This is a non-invasive, cost effective and enjoyable form of therapy for anyone who speaks any language to take part in.
Neuronal pathways associated with changes in pain, anxiety and depression are all affected during Music Therapy sessions, which explains the reduction in negative and noxious symptoms observed in patients. To further support this, The Cancer Research Center in the United Kingdom reports that Music Therapy offers a safe place for cancer patients to explore their emotions.
Two additional studies also support the positive benefits of Music Therapy for cancer patients:
A 2013 Turkish study of 40 people, revealed how Music Therapy and visual imagery helped relieve patients from the side effects of chemotherapy. The participants’ anxiety levels were greatly reduced and physical symptoms of nausea and vomiting were eliminated. Similarly, patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer or breast cancer experienced a reduction in post-treatment anxiety.
A study in Southern Taiwan studied the effect of Music Therapy versus verbal relaxation on anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy. In total, 98 patients were separated into three groups: those receiving Music Therapy, those receiving verbal guided meditation, and those receiving standard care. The results showed that Music Therapy had a positive effect on post-therapy anxiety while the two other groups didn’t experience such a reduction. Even those with a high baseline of anxiety experienced a significant drop in their intrusive thoughts after Music Therapy.
At Children’s Music Fund, we also focus on the journey to healing after treatment when rehabilitation and social integration is paramount. Music Therapy has helped equip survivors with coping mechanisms to deal with the reintroduction into everyday life and to control their mood disturbances.
With the help of music therapists, young cancer patients not only find peace, but they regain a critical sense of control over their body and mind. Music Therapy is now being offered by 30 National Cancer institutes designated in the United States.
Learn more about Music Therapy here and join our mailing list to stay updated.