Music + Cancer = Less Pain

Music therapy, a variation on Art therapy, has long been heralded as a beneficial supplement to cancer treatment.  A recent study lead by researchers at Philadelphia's Drexel University now confirms the hype -- patients who participate in music therapy have reduced levels of anxiety and pain.  The link, researchers say, is most likely connected with music's effects on a patient's mood level which in turn moderates other biological functions like heart rate and blood pressure.  From a psychological research point of view, I've checked out the stats and demographics on this study and with over a thousand patients participating, I agree that a statistically significant finding is indeed worth researching more.  Honestly, I think this is probably a "No shit, Sherlock" moment but people do tend to put more emphasis and effort into a healthful practice if the science backs it up.  So, along with your 3+ cups of green tea a day, hedge your bets with some Mozart or Coldplay -- although the study didn't specify, I'm sure either would suffice.  Read more at CBC news or if you have access to a scientific journal database, the study was published in the August issue of Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 

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