Something to sing about: A global choir of cancer survivors—Building bridges.

Abstract

e20505 Background: 68% of cancer patients live at least 5 years after diagnosis and many are cured. Cancer survivors continue to need support. Music is energising, affirming and therapeutic. More funds are needed for cancer research so that more patients become long-term survivors. In 2012 Galway University Hospital founded 'Something To Sing About' (STSA.ie), a not-for-profit organisation to support cancer survivors and cancer research. Methods: Local publicity brings small bands of cancer survivors together rehearsing the same music at the same time every week (Wednesday 7pm) in a local hall, hospital or hotel, each with its own local musical director. The music is selected by a representative music committee and music therapist. Musical instruction is disseminated by the chief musical director via website and social media. A plenary rehearsal takes place every 3 months. All profits from events and music sales are allocated to cancer research projects through an open peer-reviewed grant-application process. Results: In 6 months STSA has grown from concept to network of 20 centres with total membership of 251 cancer-survivors. Immediate feedback has been extremely positive as assessed by personal communication and facebook activity (currently 1,025 ‘likes'). Over 100 singing-survivors participated in the first plenary rehearsal. All commercial venues have donated their meeting rooms gratis. Internationally there is one participating centre in Brisbane, Australia, with others signalling their intention to join in 2013 including: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; 14 breast cancer support centres in UK; and one centre in the Czech Republic (updated at meeting). STSA members are particularly keen on establishing links with other cancer patients abroad. Professional musicians are pledging support and suggesting fund-raising collaborations. Conclusions: Cancer survivors continue to need ongoing support and find the music therapy and group therapy provided by STSA most beneficial. Cancer survivors are very interested in supporting cancer research. STSA has the potential to become a major international cancer support network and cancer research foundation.