Art therapy is a fairly new field in medicine. Yet art – whether viewing it or creating it – has long been known to have healing effects. For people living with cancer, this therapy may be helpful in many ways. In addition to providing a relaxing escape against the backdrop of treatment anxiety and fear for the future, painting or drawing may help you understand the myriad of emotions that can go along with a diagnosis of cancer. Emotions that are often difficult to express in words.
Creating art has been shown to help with physical and emotional well-being. Other benefits for people with cancer may include:
During Chemotherapy – One study on the use of art therapy during chemotherapy found that it was helpful in 3 primary ways. First, it was thought to be a relaxing and creative outlet. Second, participants felt that it gave them an opportunity to feel listened to. And third, it provided an avenue to express emotions and search for meaning in their lives.
Benefits During Radiation Therapy – Another study looked at the role of art in women who were going through radiation therapy for breast cancer. Those who participated had improvements in total health, total quality of life, physical health and psychological health. Positive benefits were seen in body image, coping with systemic (whole body) side effects of treatment, and in “future perspectives” – something that may be defined as“hope.”
Social Support – In some cases, art therapy has provided the opportunity for social support for people who are not actively part of a cancer support group.
Improved Mental Health – Several studies have found that creating art lessens the symptoms of anxiety and depression that can accompany a diagnosis of cancer. Of even greater note, is that this benefit may last for a long time. One study of art therapy in breast cancer patients found that the sessions resulted in significant long-term improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Improved Quality of Life – Through developing a new form of self-expression, painting was found to have positive effects on personal growth, coping, and social interaction for people living with cancer.
Hospitalization Benefits – Research has shown that art therapy may reduce the need for pain medications, increase compliance with medication, and decrease the length of hospital stays.
End-of-Life Benefits – One study of terminal cancer patients in Taiwan evaluated the effect of art appreciation and hands-on painting. The researchers found that creating art was helpful in encouraging these patients to express their feelings about terminal cancer. In addition, 70 percent described the experience as relaxing, and 53 percent of the people claimed to feel better physically after their artistic experience.
To locate credentialed art therapists please go to the Art Therapy Credentials Board website at atcb.org
You will also find more information on the education and training of art therapists at arttherapy.org
In some states, art therapists are now licensed to practice with the minimum of a masters in art therapy.