Throughout the cancer journey, many patients experience significant physical and emotional effects related to their treatment. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapies can affect not only the body, but also mood, sleep, anxiety levels, and overall quality of life.
One supportive intervention that is increasingly being integrated into medical settings is music therapy.
Like any supportive therapy, understanding what it is, how it works, and when to use it can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.
The important questions to consider are:
● What is music therapy?
● How does music therapy support patients during cancer treatment?
● Is music therapy suitable for me?
● When should music therapy be considered?
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical and intentional use of music by a trained therapist to address physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Music is something most of us encounter daily — on the radio, through our phones, in our homes, or in public spaces. We instinctively know that music can influence how we feel. It can calm us, energise us, comfort us, or connect us to meaningful memories.
What many people do not realise is that music is also supported by scientific research in healthcare settings.
In medical environments, music therapy is structured and goal-directed. It is not simply background music, but rather carefully selected or facilitated music experiences designed to support specific therapeutic outcomes.
Interventions may include:
● Individualised music listening programmes
● Music-assisted relaxation and breathing
● Live therapeutic music
● Songwriting and lyric discussion
● Guided reflection with music
● Active music making (piano, guitar or drumming)
● Each intervention is adapted to the patient’s medical condition, treatment stage, and energy levels.
How Does Music Therapy Support Patients During Cancer Treatment?
Cancer treatment can affect patients in many ways. Music therapy may assist by:
Reducing Anxiety
Research indicates that music therapy can reduce anxiety before surgery, during chemotherapy, and in hospital settings. Music may help regulate breathing, reduce heart rate, and promote a sense of calm.
Supporting Pain Management
Music can influence the way the brain processes pain signals. When used alongside medical pain management strategies, it may reduce the perception of pain and increase comfort during procedures or recovery.
Improving Treatment Tolerance
Side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and anticipatory anxiety may make treatment sessions challenging. Structured music listening has been associated with improved tolerance of treatment and reduced stress-related symptoms.
Supporting Emotional Processing
A cancer diagnosis often brings complex emotions — fear, grief, uncertainty, anger, and hope. Music therapy provides a safe and structured space for emotional expression and reflection.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Beyond active treatment, music therapy can support emotional wellbeing during survivorship or palliative care, helping individuals reconnect with themselves and others.
Is Music Therapy Suitable for Me?
Music therapy is non-invasive and safe. It can be adapted for all ages and stages of cancer care.
It may be particularly helpful for patients who:
● Experience high levels of anxiety
● Feel overwhelmed before medical procedures
● Struggle with sleep or relaxation
● Experience emotional distress
● Are undergoing long or repetitive treatment sessions
Music therapy does not interfere with medical treatment and has no pharmacological side effects.
Do you have to be musical to do music therapy?
No. You do not need to play an instrument or have musical training — music therapy is adapted to each person’s preferences, comfort, and needs.
When Should Music Therapy Be Considered?
Music therapy can be introduced:
● At the time of diagnosis
● Before surgery
● During chemotherapy or radiation
● During hospital admission
● In palliative care
● In survivorship or support group settings
Early supportive care can improve overall wellbeing and patient experience throughout the cancer journey.
Cancer care is about caring for the whole person — body, mind, and heart. Music has a gentle power to soothe, comfort, and carry the emotions we can’t always put into words. When used in therapy, it can guide us through the healing journey, offering calm, hope, and connection along the way.
By Sarah Harrison (AT0002232) – Music Therapist
Contact: sarahjeanmusictherapy@gmail.com