Significance of music therapy in treating depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer

Abstract

Globally, cancer cases and mortality have recently escalated and have attracted global concern. The clinical diagnosis and manifestation of cancer can result in significant mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders. The tendency of people with cancer to suffer from psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression is usually high. A significant number of deaths related to cancer may likely not be from the killer disease but from psychological disorders associated with the illness. The utilization of music as a remedial approach to healing mental disorders cannot be overstated. Thus, identifying the impacts of music therapy in dealing with depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer is relevant, as the majority of methods used in treating cancer have some side effects which may trigger psychological disorders in cancer patients. Ultimately, this study explored the significance of music therapy in treating depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer. To achieve the aim of this study, the authors employed a narrative literature review to investigate the significance of music therapy in addressing depression and anxiety disorders among people with cancer. The type of literature review employed in this study is to provide an understanding of the selected research papers. The review found that music therapy significantly reduces depression and anxiety disorders among breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer patients. It is needful for healthcare providers to incorporate music therapy interventions while treating people with cancer. This will help reduce cancer deaths resulting from psychological disorders rather than the killer disease, cancer. However, the standardized procedures and evaluation criteria for applying music-based intervention strategies in oncology medicine still need to be further established and improved.

Keywords: Anxiety disorders, Breast cancer, Cancer, Cancer patients, Colorectal cancer, Depression, Lung cancer, Music therapy, Prostate cancer

Core Tip: People diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment experience anxiety and depression, which may influence their healing process. Most cancer patients may die from depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. The mental health of cancer patients is important as their physical health. Therefore, addressing the psychological needs of people with cancer is necessary to improve their health status. In this review, we demonstrate music therapy as a significant treatment approach for reducing depression and anxiety disorders among patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.