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Arts for Healing
N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease) - A Rock Band with A Mission
The band, N.E.D., is a unique band of six gynecologic oncology surgeons from across the country who is taking healing and the arts to a new level. N.E.D. has started a powerful creative awareness movement to give a voice to women affected by gynecologic cancers.
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N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease) are the words every cancer patient wants to hear. The cornerstone of N.E.D.’s mission is education and awareness. They have released two albums of original music that have received critical acclaim. Their songs are designed to empower women, give them hope and to break the silence surrounding gynecologic cancers.
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Journal Therapy
Journaling is a way cancer patients can care for themselves. Writing down thoughts, emotions, and experiences gives the person the opportunity to work out their feelings and helps them relax in order to find reasons to be happier and more hopeful about the future.
There are different methods of journaling such as gratitude journaling, blogging, art journaling, etc. Find time to journal for yourself and allow yourself to pour out your thoughts in writing.
​Journaling your way through cancer | MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Storytelling​
Story telling is a way to express verbally or through writing, a story that reflects a person's life journey. Patients with cancer can use storytelling to help them define themselves, their experiences, world and relationship to life. It provides the opportunity to express rather than repress feelings about their cancer journey along with enhance well-being and reduce emotional stress. Storytelling can also be a way to connect patients with their loved ones, caregivers and anyone impacted by this disease.
​Storytelling for Cancer Patients : Jeannine Walston
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​Art Therapy
Colorado Art Therapy Association
“Art Therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and achieve insight.”
LEARN MORE: COLORADO ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION
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Music Therapy
National Institutes of Health
“Music therapy is a part of a complementary medicine program in supportive cancer care which accompanies medical treatment. There are many benefits of music therapy for cancer patients—interactive music therapy techniques (instrumental improvisation, singing) as well as receptive music therapy techniques (listening to recorded or live music, music and imaginary) can be used to improve mood, decrease stress, pain, anxiety level and enhance relaxation. Music therapy is an effective form of supporting cancer care for patients during the treatment process. It may be also basic for planning effective programs of rehabilitation to promote wellness, improve physical and emotional well-being and the quality of life.”
LEARN MORE: Music therapy in supportive cancer care - PMC
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute
“Music therapy is an evidence-based way to improve your health, enhance your well-being, and manage symptoms and side effects related to cancer and cancer treatment.
During music therapy, a trained therapist guides you through personalized activities, using the unique qualities of music to achieve specific health outcomes. These activities can be as simple as listening to music or as interactive as creating songs and making music together. Whether you’re facing health challenges, undergoing cancer treatment, or caring for a loved one affected by cancer, music therapy can help with: stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, sleep, memory, focus, learning, brain health, coordination, creativity and mental flexibility, building resilience and adaptability, enhancing physical and mental performance, discovering joy and meaning in life, and strengthening connections with loved ones.”
Integrative Medicine: Music Therapy | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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Colorado Association for Music Therapy (CAMT)
“Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music to accomplish functional, non-musical goals within a therapeutic relationship by a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) who has completed a music therapy program approved by the American Music Therapy Association.”
https://www.musictherapycolorado.org/find-a-music-therapist-map
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​The Arts as HEALING TOOLS
​Art4Healing®
The mission of this nonprofit organization is to support emotional healing through art to those living in pain, grief, fear or stress. This is done by providing abstract art workshops to support emotional wellbeing. Patients living with cancer can use this form of art as a way to give their pain a voice through self-expression.
"Art4Healing® Online courses bring the Art4Healing® workshops to you and into the privacy of your home. Easy pricing and convenient online courses means you can experience the Art4Healing® abstract art exercises at your own pace, whenever you like."
https://courses.art4healing.org/
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Oncology on Canvas (an Eli Lilly Company program)
“There are millions of untold cancer stories happening every day. In 2004, Lilly Oncology, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), and members of the global cancer community came together to launch Oncology on Canvas®, an art competition that gives people living with cancer—and those who care for them—a way to tell their stories through creativity and bring comfort and support to others by sharing their cancer journeys.”
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Canvas of Hope – Bismarck Cancer Center
Emotional Expression and Coping:
“Art therapy offers a safe and non-verbal form of expression, allowing cancer patients and caregivers to communicate their emotions and experiences through art. Creating art can provide an outlet for the complex and often overwhelming emotions associated with cancer, such as fear, grief, and anxiety.”
Enhanced Communication and Connection:
“Cancer can strain communication between patients, caregivers, and their loved ones. Art therapy provides a medium for non-verbal communication, enabling individuals to express themselves visually when words may fall short.”.
Empowerment and Sense of Control:
“Cancer treatments and their associated side effects can make individuals feel powerless and disconnected from their bodies. Art therapy allows patients and caregivers to reclaim a sense of control by engaging in the creative process.”
Stress Reduction and Improved Well-being:
“Engaging in art therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being for cancer patients and caregivers…Creating art can divert attention away from the stressors of cancer, providing a respite and fostering a positive state of mind.
Self-Reflection and Personal Growth:
“Art therapy encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and personal narratives through the art-making process. Through guided reflection, patients and caregivers can gain insights into their own strengths, resilience, and personal growth.”
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