The potential health benefits of community based singing groups for adults with cancer.

This article demonstrates the potential efficacy of community based singing groups to improve the health and quality of life of adults diagnosed with cancer. An overview on music therapy practices utilized in adult cancer care is presented. Publications related to the health benefits of singing in both therapeutic and community contexts are reviewed. Information pertaining to the role of psychosocial support groups in the treatment processes of persons with cancer is used to establish the relevance of community based group singing experiences for this population. Initial guidelines on how to effectively facilitate a community based singing group for persons with cancer are outlined and discussed within the context of the author’s clinical experiences. Implications for research are presented. It is hoped that this article will inspire music therapists to develop community based singing groups for persons with cancer, and to conduct much needed research in this area