Music Therapy: Creating Harmony Amidst the Dissonance of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer diagnoses often carry with them a range of emotional distress. The evidence based, complimentary medicine practice of music therapy may improve patient symptoms, care and quality of life. This paper will present 3 case studies to illustrate the effect music therapy can potentially have on the lives of cancer patients. Music therapy may serve as a beneficial and cost-effective adjunct to standard oncology care and it is suggested that music therapy practices be considered at hospitals and oncology centers nationally.