American researchers from Indiana University have published a new study in the journal Cancer which reveals that music therapy helps young people better cope with their cancer and the heavy treatments they undergo.
American researchers conducted experiments with a group of young cancer patients between the ages of 11 and 24.
Each patient had to create a music video. They were invited to write song lyrics, record sounds and collect video images to create their story. A music therapist accompanied them for 3 weeks so that they could identify their priorities as well as possible and how to communicate their ideas.
Music helps young people fight disease
Once completed, the videos were shared with family and friends of the young patients.
From this first session, the researchers found that this experience had helped the young people to better accept the disease and the treatment. They felt stronger and more combative than other sick people. According to Dr. Joan Haase, who led the study, “these positive effects are important in the fight against the disease. Indeed, young people who have acquired mental strength and better self-confidence through music will fight cancer better. The videos also allowed relatives to better understand the suffering and doubts of young patients.
Moreover, at the end of the 100 days of treatment, the patients declared communicate betterwith their loved ones and no longer feel disconnected from normal life.
Sheri Robb, music therapist who worked on the study, explains why the musicencourages young people to fight back, stay positive, keep communicating and helps reduce anxiety. “With the disease and the treatments, everything becomes uncertain. However, music is a sure value of identification, it helps to feel connected, to be in the world. In addition, young people talk about music quite easily. They can therefore use it as a social link. “
“While music seems to help people with cancer reduce their anxiety and improve their quality of life, it will never be able to cure disease,” recalls Dr. Joan Haase.
