Choir singing and health status in people affected by cancer

• Published in: European journal of cancer care Vol. 26; no. 5; pp. e12568 - n/a
• Main Authors: Reagon, C., Gale, N., Dow, R., Lewis, I., Deursen, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Hindawi Limited 01.09.2017
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety; Anxiety - psychology; Cancer; Choirs; Community participation; Depression - psychology; Female; Focus Groups; Health Status; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; Middle Aged; Neoplasms - psychology; Nursing; Patients; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Singing; Social Participation; support groups; Wales; Young Adult; cancer; singing; support groups; choirs
• ISSN: 0961-5423; 1365-2354
• DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12568

Cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over recent years, however, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) for many patients, survivors and their families remains low even after successful treatment. This mixed‐methods observational study explored the effects of participation in community choirs on HRQoL in individuals who have had cancer (patients) or have been affected by cancer (non‐patients). This included a longitudinal analysis of choristers commencing the Tenovus Cancer Care “Sing with Us” choirs across Wales and a series of semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. Participants completed the Short‐form 36 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale on commencement of the choir and 3 and 6 months later. On joining the choir, several domains of the SF36 were lower, indicating worse HRQoL and greater depression in patients than non‐patients (p < .05). In patients, choir participation improved vitality, overall mental health and anxiety. In non‐patients, choir participation improved anxiety (p < .05). Participants experienced the choirs as both an uplifting musical activity and a supportive community group. The results support the provision of a spectrum of support options to meet the different needs and preferences of people affected by cancer.