HEALTHY LIVING


“significantly improves the quality of life for cancer patients.” A study presented at the American


Music Therapy Helps Cancer Survivors Heal


Studies show it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving quality of life. :: BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV


W Suarez discovered songwriting


hen iliana suarez was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, she never imagined


she’d one day perform before thousands of people alongside other cancer survivors. Yet that’s exactly what happened


when she took the stage at the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, the annual fundraiser for the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I’ve never performed before,”


says Suarez. “I put on the radio and sing around the house, but that’s it.” When she was invited to sing


before 8,600 event participants, she didn’t hesitate. “It was exciting, and I


was happy to do it. I’ve gotten so much from these survivorship programs,” she says.


through Sylvester’s music therapy program, which is part of the Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute. A variety of arts programs for


cancer survivors — considered an important part of recovery — are offered, says institute director Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D. Research has shown that music


therapy can help cancer survivors cope with many of those challenges. Studies have found it can reduce


stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders while improving overall quality of life. A growing body of evidence also


suggests music therapy may help ease pain, improve sleep, reduce nausea, support cognitive function, and restore confidence that may be lost because of physical changes caused by cancer and its treatment. A review of 19 studies published


in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that music therapy


Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 annual meeting found that music therapy delivered through telehealth produced long-lasting improvements in anxiety and depression comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy, the standard treatment. At Sylvester, live musicians perform


throughout the cancer center to help create a calming environment. Certified music therapists also


lead programs ranging from learning to play an instrument, singing, dancing, and songwriting to creating personalized playlists, guided listening sessions, music memory activities, and music-assisted relaxation. “Music therapy can help restore a


patient’s confidence,” says David Cote, music therapy coordinator at Sylvester. “Music helps patients deal with


stress while waiting for test results, or it can help ease pain. If cancer has left them with neuropathy in their fingers, learning to play the ukulele can help. It can help them deal with changes in their self-identity as well, such as hair loss or no longer being able to drive a car,” he says. Classes are offered both in


person and virtually, and no musical experience is required. Participants range from people who have been newly diagnosed to long-term cancer survivors. Sylvester provides its music


therapy program free of charge. Other hospitals and cancer centers also may offer similar services. Medicare and private insurers may


cover music therapy in some cases, although coverage often requires a physician’s referral and a documented treatment plan.


FIND MUSIC PROGRAM: Ask your doctor or hospital whether music therapy is available. Even if it isn’t offered onsite, the hospital may partner with community organizations that provide these services. Contact organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Support Community, or Music Beats Cancer for information about programs in your area. Visit the American Music Therapy Association (www.musictherapy.org) to locate a board-certified music therapist.


Survivor Iliana Suarez and her husband 92 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | OCTOBER 2026


PHOTOS COURTESY OF ILIANA SUAREZ


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