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Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2026 Open CC BY V4.0
Journal article
"This is my voice; this is my story": a thematic analysis of needs and challenges expressed in songs by adult cancer survivors
Journal of cancer survivorship, Forthcoming
07 Jul 2026
PMID: 42410154
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Many cancer survivors experience long-term cancer-related psychosocial effects like anxiety, depression, and isolation, yet their ongoing needs for effective supportive care are frequently unmet. Songwriting during music therapy sessions can help cancer survivors process and communicate their thoughts and feelings about their needs and challenges. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to analyze songs written by cancer survivors with elevated anxiety as part of their participation in a randomized controlled trial aimed at reducing anxiety.
We performed a reflexive thematic analysis of 26 songs to explore the needs and challenges cancer survivors expressed in them. We used clinical session information to supplement our interpretation of the song lyrics.
Through our analysis, we generated four themes: (1) the need to use time wisely, (2) personal influences on coping, (3) the need to feel others' support, and (4) existential needs. Connections between the themes and categories highlighted how coping with one challenge typically activated another, often impacting participants' relationships.
Our results suggest that songwriting helped participants process and communicate a range of needs and challenges, including those regarding self-concept, relationships, and existential concerns. Better understanding and communicating these needs may enable participants to address challenges and meet their needs more effectively.
Findings suggest that cancer survivors who are experiencing anxiety may find that songwriting with a music therapist helps them understand, work through, and share thoughts and feelings about their needs with others.
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Details
- Title
- "This is my voice; this is my story": a thematic analysis of needs and challenges expressed in songs by adult cancer survivors
- Creators
- Sarah Biedka (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Creative Arts TherapiesMiranda Lape - Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University, 60 North 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USACamila Casaw Irias - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterKaren Popkin - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterSean Mcnally - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterAlessandro Ricciarelli - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterKarolina L Bryl - Drexel University, Creative Arts TherapiesJun J Mao - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterKevin Liou - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterJoke Bradt - Drexel University, Creative Arts Therapies
- Publication Details
- Journal of cancer survivorship, Forthcoming
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Program Award: CER-2020C3-21044 National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant: P30CA008748 Laurance S. Rockefeller Fund
This research was supported by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Program Award (CER-2020C3-21044), by a National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (P30CA008748), and by the Laurance S. Rockefeller Fund.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001812160700001
- Other Identifier
- 991022194493604721
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InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- Oncology
- Social Sciences, Biomedical