BACKGROUND

  The cancer experience cannot be solely described, explained or understood through the language of science. There is wide-spread recognition that there is a need for the use of other language discourses and approaches to health and cancer in particular to allow people to describe, address and deal with the cancer experience and take control of and improve their health.

  It has been demonstrated through a body of research that the arts can make a major contribution in many ways to health and to those affected by cancer. Using paint, writing, music, clay and the performance arts can give expression to the totality of the cancer experience, dispel myths, enhance the quality of life, reduce isolation, alleviate the feelings of loss and empower people to gain control over their treatment and care (see attached references). The arts can be used to enable an individual to gain self-confidence, develop a sense of self and create a social environment on a cancer ward or in a community.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

  Locally provided in "Touching the Rainbow" and "The Emotional Cancer Journey" (books provided)[29]1 demonstrated that the people who participated in the art workshops benefited in many ways. They were able to share with others, exhibit their pictures, validate their feelings, create and develop a dialogue, have a distraction from their anxieties, and have an opportunity to reflect. Through the exhibition and the book they were able to share with the wider population and health professionals the emotional impact of having cancer. More than anything they were given permission and a licence to express anything they felt. This was liberating and removed the need for constraint and secrets.

  The existing gap in the research is to establish how best to implement the research findings to date in a systematic and standardised way. In order to do this the effect of the different art interventions need to be compared and contrasted and ultimately made available more widely as an integral part of care and treatment.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

  I am proposing that research be carried out to investigate:

—  how to measure the effect of specific art interventions on enhancing the quality of life and expression of those affected by cancer;

—  how this expression can influence those administering treatment and care to improve services;

—  how best to incorporate art projects as an integral part of cancer treatment and care.

  This proposal sets out how to identify successful interventions over a two-year period for the population affected by cancer in five specific pilot sites with specific focus on painting, writing, performance, music and pottery.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION INCLUDED

  "Touching the Rainbow" by Michele Angelo Petrone.

  "The Emotional Cancer Journey" by Michele Angelo Petrone.

  Literature search on effect the arts have on cancer patients.

  References from "An Enquiry concerning possible methods for evaluating arts for health projects". By John Angus Pioneer Projects Celebration Arts Limited.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  National Network for the Arts in Health.

  Linda Moss Lecturer and Researcher at Sheffield Hallam University.

  Jane MacNaughton The Centre for Arts and Humanities in Health and Medicine at Durham University.

  Health Development Agency an Evaluation resource for Healthy Living Centres, Jane Meyrick and Paige Sinkler

June 2000