Music as Medicine: The Role of Music Therapy in Cancer Care

More Than Just A Melody

Cancer treatment is not only physically demanding – it often brings emotional, psychological, and mental challenges as well. As part of a holistic approach to care, music therapy has emerged as a powerful complementary tool to help cancer patients cope with these challenges.

At Falcon Memorial Cancer Institute, we believe in treating the whole person – body and mind. On this World Music Day, we explore how music therapy plays a role in improving the well-being of cancer patients.

What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice where certified therapists use music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Unlike simply listening to music, music therapy is personalised and often involves active participation such as singing, playing instruments, songwriting, or guided music listening sessions.

How Music Therapy Helps Cancer Patients

Several clinical studies have shown that music therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

1️⃣ Reduces Anxiety and Stress

• A meta-analysis published in the journal Psycho-Oncology (Bradt et al., 2011) concluded that music interventions significantly reduce anxiety in cancer patients.

• Another study in The Lancet Oncology (2016) demonstrated that patients receiving music therapy reported lower anxiety levels before surgery or chemotherapy sessions.

2️⃣ Manages Pain and Physical Symptoms

• According to research published in Integrative Cancer Therapies (2017), music therapy helped reduce perceived pain levels during chemotherapy.

• Music influences the autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, which contributes to physical relaxation (American Cancer Society, 2020).

3️⃣ Improves Sleep Quality

• A 2016 study in Journal of Advanced Nursing found that music therapy improved sleep quality in cancer patients undergoing treatment, especially those experiencing insomnia due to medication side effects.

4️⃣ Supports Emotional Expression

• Cancer patients often struggle with depression, isolation, or fear. Music therapy provides a safe outlet to express emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken (National Cancer Institute, 2022).

Why Music Therapy Works: The Science Behind It

Music stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins — the very same “feel-good” chemicals that boost mood and reduce pain. Studies using functional MRI scans have shown that music activates areas of the brain associated with emotion regulation, memory, and relaxation.

Moreover, rhythmic elements in music can help synchronize breathing and heartbeat, promoting a state of calm — highly beneficial for patients experiencing anxiety or pain during treatment sessions.

Source references:

• Bradt J, Dileo C, et al. Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010.

• American Cancer Society. Music Therapy for Cancer Patients. (2020)

• National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Music Therapy. (2022)

• The Lancet Oncology. Music interventions to reduce preoperative anxiety. (2016)

A Growing Field in Oncology Care

Globally, many renowned cancer centres — such as MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA) — have integrated music therapy into their oncology programs. The growing body of research continues to highlight its value as part of integrative oncology.

In Mauritius, incorporating complementary therapies like music therapy represents an important step forward in delivering truly patient-centred care.

Let The Music Play

On this World Music Day, let us remember that healing comes not only from medication but also from comfort, compassion, and connection. Music therapy offers a bridge between science and emotion — helping cancer patients find moments of peace, strength, and even joy amidst the challenges of treatment.

At Falcon Memorial Cancer Institute, we continue to explore innovative ways to care for our patients — one note at a time.

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If you or a loved one is facing cancer, contact Falcon Memorial Cancer Institute to learn more about our comprehensive approach to care.