Tenovus Cancer Choirs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Tenovus Cancer Choirs: the effect of choir singing on psychological and immune responses of cancer patients, staff and carers
IRAS ID
198306
Contact name
Daisy Fancourt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
‘Sing With Us’ choirs are an initiative established in Wales by Tenovus Cancer Care to provide social support and improve mental wellbeing amongst those affected by cancer, whether patients, carers or staff. Research has already demonstrated that these choirs can reduce depression and anxiety amongst participants and improve social support networks and quality of life as well as preliminary evidence that they can reduce levels of stress hormones and improve immune function. The aim of this study is to establish more about the psychological benefits of regular choir singing and explore whether the biological changes noted in pilot studies can be sustained over time. This could identify whether choirs have the potential to optimise health in people affected by cancer, helping to put patients in the best position to receive treatment or maintain remission and supporting those who care for someone with cancer, whether professionally or informally.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0579
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion