It is well documented that patients undergoing breast cancer treatment report increased levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are known to increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, serves an important physiological role in protecting one from imminent danger. However, when cortisol levels are chronically elevated in the body, health problems can occur, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, insomnia, weight gain, memory and concentration impairments, poor wound healing, decreased libido, and bone loss. Due to the widespread negative effect on the body caused by chronically elevated cortisol levels, it is clear why reducing stressors such as anxiety and depression during breast cancer treatment is an area of focus for researchers.
The authors of the 2017 article “The Impact of Music Therapy on Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Simulation for Radiation Therapy” found that breast, as well as head/neck, cancer patients who met with a music therapist to assist in selecting patient preferred prerecorded music to be played during their radiation therapy simulation experienced significantly less distress and anxiety compared to those who did not. The authors of the 2015 article “A Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Music Therapy and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training in Female Breast Cancer Patients After Radical Mastectomy: Results on Depression, Anxiety and Length of Hospital Stay” found that patients hospitalized following radical mastectomies, who received music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation training twice per day while admitted, experienced significant reductions in feelings of depression and anxiety as well as significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the control group that received regular nursing care only, https://www.pharmacybc.com/xanax-alprazolam/.
Music therapy touches all aspects of the mind, body, brain and behavior. Music can be used as a distraction for the mind and it can influence behavior. Our August 2019 Education Event features music therapy, provided by a certified music therapist who plays instruments and will employ a variety of activities including listening to melodies and guided imagery. Music therapy is appropriate for people of all ages who may be struggling with illness or totally healthy.
Rossetti, Andrew, et al. “The Impact of Music Therapy on Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Simulation for Radiation Therapy.” International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, vol. 99, no. 1, 2017, pp. 103–110., doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.05.003.
Zhou, Kaina, et al. “A Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Music Therapy and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training in Female Breast Cancer Patients after Radical Mastectomy: Results on Depression, Anxiety and Length of Hospital Stay.” European Journal of Oncology Nursing, vol. 19, no. 1, 2015, pp. 54–59., doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2014.07.010.
