Would singing have anti-virtues Cancer ? Singing in a choir could in any case lower the levels of stress and boost the immune system, according to a study published in the journal ecancermedicalscience by British researchers from Imperial College and the Royal College of Music in London.
Less stress hormones
The researchers looked at 193 people directly or indirectly affected by cancer and already registered in choirs: 72 relatives caregivers, 66 bereaved relatives and 55 patients not receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapyat the time of the study. The scientists took samples of their saliva before and after a 70-minute singing session, and had them fill out a questionnaire a week before the session and immediately after, to assess their mood.
In the saliva samples, they measured the levels of several hormones: hormones linked to stress and its regulation (cortisol, endorphin and oxytocin) and others indicative of the state of the immune system ( cytokines). Result: in all participants, singing was associated with reduced stress, stronger immune system activity and better mental well-being. “This is the first study to demonstrate the extensive immune effects of song, particularly on cytokines“, congratulate the authors of the study.
Prepare the ground to better accommodate the treatment
“Many people affected by cancer may experience psychological difficulties such as stress, anxiety, or depression. depression, which can suppress immune activity at a time when patients need all the help they can from their immune system“Says Dr. Daisy Dancourt, lead author of the study, to the site Medical News Today. “This work is exciting because it suggests that an activity as simple as singing could reduce this stress-related immune suppression and help improve the well-being and quality of life of patients, placing them in the best possible position to receive a treatment“She adds. Future work should show whether repeated singing sessions could lead to positive long-term effects.
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