“Harmonizing Healing: Exploring The Efficacy of Music Therapy in Alleviating Pain Among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik.”

Cancer remains one of the most prevalent and challenging health issues globally, with nearly 18 million new cases diagnosed each year. The disease imposes a significant burden on patients, manifesting in persistent physical discomfort, fatigue, and heightened emotional distress, including anxiety and depression. Conventional cancer treatments often focus on managing disease progression and alleviating physical symptoms but may not fully address the multifaceted needs of patients. In recent years, there has been growing interest in integrating non-pharmacological interventions into cancer care to complement traditional treatment methods. Music-based therapies, particularly music therapy, have emerged as promising adjuncts. Music-based interventions are categorized into 'music medicine,' which involves passive listening to recorded music, and 'music therapy,' a more interactive approach led by trained therapists. This study focuses on the latter, employing recorded instrumental music that combines traditional Indian raga with contemporary tunes. Employing a quasi-experimental design, this research includes 120 participants divided equally into an experimental group receiving music therapy and a control group. The primary objectives are to assess baseline and post-treatment pain intensity levels, evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy, and compare pain scores between the two groups. Inclusion criteria for the study involve cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who are willing to participate, while exclusion criteria rule out those with cognitive impairments, hearing deficits, or those receiving concurrent pain management therapies. Pain levels are measured using numerical pain scales before and after therapy sessions. The results indicate a substantial reduction in pain among the experimental group, with mean pain scores decreasing significantly from 4.37 to 2.35 (p < 0.00001). In contrast, the control group showed no significant change in pain levels (pre-test mean 4.45, post-test mean 4.5). These findings are consistent with existing literature, which supports the efficacy of music therapy in reducing pain and enhancing emotional well-being for cancer patients. Based on these results, the study recommends integrating music therapy into integrative oncology care, hospice, and oncology care settings, developing structured programs, and promoting patient education on its benefits. The study concludes that music therapy is a valuable complementary treatment for managing pain and improving the quality of life for cancer patients during chemotherapy.