25th Annual Conference Proceedings of the CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF ADULT EDUCATION (CASAE);

L'Association Canadienne pour l'Étude de l'Éducation des Adultes (ACÉÉA) Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE) 2006 National Conference On-Line Proceedings York University. Toronto, Ontario. May 28 to May 30 Voicing the Song of Music Therapy Cancer Support Mary H. Rykov, Ph.D.(C), MTA, F.A.M.I. Centre for Arts Informed Research Department of Adult Education & Counselling Psychology Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto Abstract: The song this article sings is derived from findings of an arts-informed inquiry that explored the meaning of music therapy cancer support and conceives therapy as education-about-the-self. It is consistent with lifelong learning as this pertains to cancer survivors and is applicable to other groups of learners. Cancer A cancer diagnosis is one of the most feared and serious of life events that produces stress on individuals and families. Cancer disrupts social, physical and emotional well-being and results in a range of emotions, including anger, fear, sadness, guilt, embarrassment and shame. Invasive treatment procedures can be stressful, painful and may result in permanent body changes. Themes commonly experienced by cancer patients are fear of death and disease recurrence, problems related to long and short-term effects of treatment, changes in personal relationships and economic issues. Family and friends can become overwhelmed by the crisis. (Daste & Rose ...