Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evidence of art therapy on the psychological outcome, quality of life (QOL), and cancer-related symptoms in women with gynecological cancer. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted. The randomized controlled trials, quasiexperimental studies, case reports, and qualitative studies were all included. Result 1,587 articles were retrieved. A total of 9 articles met the inclusion criteria. The existing studies provided initial evidence to suggest that art therapy may benefit gynecological cancer patients with respect to improving psychological outcome and QOL, reducing fatigue related to cancer, and improving subjective overall health condition. However, the quality of the current evidence limits the efficacy of these findings. Conclusion Research on art therapy of gynecologic cancer patients is insufficient. We cannot draw the conclusion that art therapy benefits gynecological cancer patients in the psychological outcome, QOL, and cancer-related symptoms. More rigorous research is needed.
Highlights
Cancer is an overwhelming experience for patients [1]. e diagnosis of cancer has obvious physical ramifications and produces psychological stress as well [2]
It was reported that nearly 90% of gynecological cancer survivors need supportive care [9]
Cancer patients are increasingly turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life (QOL), and boost their ability to cope with stress [10]
Summary
Cancer is an overwhelming experience for patients [1]. e diagnosis of cancer has obvious physical ramifications and produces psychological stress as well [2]. Cancer is an overwhelming experience for patients [1]. E diagnosis of cancer has obvious physical ramifications and produces psychological stress as well [2]. E patients with gynecological cancer may suffer from psychological distress, fatigue, sleep disturbance, urinary/bowel issues, lymphedema, menopausal symptoms, and sexuality issues [5,6,7]. Complications, and cumulative organ toxicities may alter the patient’s body function, interfere with daily activities, have a negative impact on QOL [8], as well as distorting their psychological states, body image, body awareness, and selfesteem [2]. Cancer patients are increasingly turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies to reduce symptoms, improve QOL, and boost their ability to cope with stress [10]. Art therapy is one of the complementary therapies being used to relieve cancer symptoms [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
