As defined by the American Cancer Society, cancer is an overhead term for a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrollable manner and overpower typical cells, potentially leading to death. In the United States, 1 in 3 individuals are affected by cancer, impacting families and communities as well (American Cancer Society, 2025b). Cancer diagnoses are, understandably, serious and stressful events for individuals and families as cancer negatively impacts well being in social, physical, and emotional domains. Individuals may fear how a cancer diagnosis may impact their future as well as the long- and short-term effects of treatment (Stanczyk, 2011).
Music therapy is the use of music and/or musical elements to support individuals of all ages in the accomplishments of goals and actualization of potential as performed by a board-certified music therapist. Music therapy is a systematic and evidenced-based practice that may support social, emotional, and spiritual needs. In oncology settings, music therapy may assist individuals in navigating pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Further, music therapy may improve one’s mood, provide spiritual support, support emotional processing, facilitate collaboration & positive social interactions, encourage autonomy & self-expression, and provide a meaningful distraction from the typical soundscape of a care facility (American Cancer Society, 2025a; American Cancer Society, 2025b; Cancer Research UK, 2022; Noguchi, 2025; Oprean, 2023; Quick & Yaguda, 2021; Stanczyk, 2011). Notably, music therapy has been affirmed as a recommended aspect of oncology care by the American Cancer Society, the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the Society for Integrative Oncology, and the National Institute of Health, and a June 2025 meeting presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology noted that music therapy may be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy in managing symptoms of anxiety in oncology patients (Noguchi, 2025; Cancer Research UK, 2022).
In music therapy, participants may engage in a variety of passive or active music-based experiences to support individualized goals. Musical skills or training is not a prerequisite for music therapy participation, and a variety of musical genres may be utilized in music therapy sessions to support the unique preferences of each patient. Below are some of the music experiences that may be facilitated during a music therapy session.
- Music Listening
- Lyric Analysis/Song Discussion
- Songwriting
- Music Making/Instrument Play
- Music Assisted Relaxation
(American Cancer Society, 2025a; American Cancer Society, 2025b; Cancer Research UK, 2022; Noguchi, 2025; Oprean, 2023; Quick & Yaguda, 2021; Stanczyk, 2011)
Experiences presented during music therapy sessions are individualized to patient needs, and a music therapist will collaborate with patients as applicable to facilitate meaningful, enjoyable music experiences. All in all, music therapy in cancer settings may serve as an additional tool to support patients. While music therapy is not a cure for cancer, it can provide patients with opportunities for joy, relaxation, community, autonomy, and connection, opening (or widening) the door for greater healing holistically.
Works Cited
American Cancer Society (2025a, August 22). How music therapy can help people with cancer.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/how-music-therapy-can-help-people-with-cancer.html
American Cancer Society (2025b, March 31). What is cancer?: Cancer basics.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/what-is-cancer.html
Cancer Research UK (2022, July 8). Music therapy and cancer.
Noguchi, Y. (2025, June 16). The doctor said ‘be happy.’ Music therapy can help cancer patients do that.
NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5414500/music-therapy-cancer-patient-survivor
Oprean, M. (2023, March 27). Managing cancer pain: Music therapy. University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute | University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/news/2023/03/managing-cancer-pain-music-therapy
Quick, D., & Yaguda, S. (2021). This Lyrical Life: Music Therapy in Oncology. Oncology Issues, 36(4), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/10463356.2021.1930440
Stanczyk M. M. (2011). Music therapy in supportive cancer care. Reports of practical oncology and radiotherapy : journal of Greatpoland Cancer Center in Poznan and Polish Society of Radiation Oncology, 16(5), 170–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpor.2011.04.005
