title: Choir singing and health status in people affected by cancer.
abstract: Cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over recent years, however, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for many patients, survivors and their families remains low even after successful treatment. This mixed-methods observational study explored the effects of participation in community choirs on HRQoL in individuals who have had cancer (patients) or have been affected by cancer (non-patients). This included a longitudinal analysis of choristers commencing the Tenovus Cancer Care "Sing with Us" choirs across Wales and a series of semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Participants completed the Short-form 36 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale on commencement of the choir and 3 and 6 months later. On joining the choir, several domains of the SF36 were lower, indicating worse HRQoL and greater depression in patients than non-patients (p < .05). In patients, choir participation improved vitality, overall mental health and anxiety. In non-patients, choir participation improved anxiety (p < .05). Participants experienced the choirs as both an uplifting musical activity and a supportive community group. The results support the provision of a spectrum of support options to meet the different needs and preferences of people affected by cancer.
authors.affiliation: School of Healthcare Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reagon
authors.affiliation: School of Healthcare Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gale
authors.affiliation: Tenovus Cancer Care, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dow
authors.affiliation: Tenovus Cancer Care, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: School of Healthcare Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Deursen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D063346:Singing; D058992:Social Participation; D014852:Wales; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cancer; choirs; singing; support groups