Art Therapy and Art Making for Addressing Cancer-Related Pain and Distress in Adult Populations: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Worldwide, cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with symptoms of pain and emotional distress, associated with the disease and its treatment. Art therapy and art making are promising adjuncts to pharmacotherapy for these symptoms. However, current studies do not support replacing pharmacotherapy with these methods.

Research question

Is there evidence supporting the use of art therapy and/or art making interventions for managing cancer-related pain (primary outcome) and emotional distress (secondary outcome) among adult cancer survivors, during and following active treatment?

Methods

We searched six databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest (library's version), and Google Scholar, using the search terms "cancer pain" AND "art ther

SUBMITTER: Russin NH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12732989 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature