Among maladies that human beings suffer from, cancer can be counted as one of the worst. Today, it affects millions of people across the world, making it alarmingly common. According to recent statistics, an estimated 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer worldwide in the year 2022. But it isn’t just the stark numbers that make us pause. Beyond the diagnosis, lies an emotional and physical journey that is overwhelming to say the least.
From the moment cancer is detected, the patient faces many trials and tribulations. The toll is not just medical; it is emotional, financial, physical and even social. And although there are several advancements in how its treated, healing is a lot more than just medicine. While we have seen a better survival rate for many countries over the years, holistic approaches that support mental and physical wellbeing have become crucial for overall recovery.
One such holistic approach is art. A powerful tool of expression, art can offer not just distraction, but also a way to express, release and transform. Renowned Indian television actress Kamalika Guha Thakurta, who works closely with cancer patients and survivors, once stated, “For cancer patients, diagnosis is just a small part of the problem. What is devastating is the total financial, social and cultural displacement. I work with patients, survivors and their caregivers from lower income groups, who come from small towns and villages with great hope. They believe that the city hospitals will offer a cure, but the reality often disillusions them. We teach them to cope with the pain, anger, trauma and depression using music, movement art and visual art for mental empowerment and healing.” Clearly, art for cancer patients is not just therapy but a lifeline—a way for patients to regain control and connect back to life.
National Cancer Survivors Day is observed annually on the first Sunday of June. It’s dedicated to honouring those who have survived cancer, for inspiring those have been recently diagnosed and for supporting families and communities that have been affected by it. This day reminds us that surviving is all about living fully, with dignity and hope. Join us as we explore how art can be helpful while recovering from cancer.
A cancer diagnosis often brings with it an overwhelming amount of fear, stress, anxiety, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion. The journey of the treatment undertaken, whether it is chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of it all, can be draining physically and emotionally. During these moments, being able to express creatively can offer a much-needed emotional outlet.
Engaging in creative activities like painting, music and writing provides a therapeutic distraction from the stress of hospital visits and medical schedules. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, US, it was observed that indulging in art therapy alleviated psychological issues such as anxiety and depression and also improved the overall quality of life in cancer patients.
So, art can become a safe space to process emotions for those recovering.
Art therapy for cancer is not a replacement for medical treatment. It is a complementary approach used to support emotional wellbeing.
Common forms of art therapy include painting, drawing, music therapy, dancing, journaling and drama.
Art therapy is a form of creative healing that can benefit people of all ages.
No artistic skill is required, what matters is the process, not the end result.
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