The Transformative Power of Art Therapy in Cancer Survivorship
- Surviving Breast Cancer
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
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Art therapy—encompassing writing, drawing, painting, and poetry—has emerged as a powerful and accessible tool for empowering those diagnosed with cancer to reclaim their psychological well-being and quality of life. For those who are currently facing or have gone through breast cancer, creative expression provides more than a distraction; it offers healing, validation, and community.
Recent Research on Art Therapy
A recent peer-reviewed systematic review published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship synthesized findings from 31 randomized controlled trials involving breast cancer survivors and various art interventions, including visual arts (drawing, painting), music, dance, and poetry.
The results were emphatic: Visual art and music-based interventions consistently led to significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life for those who had completed primary treatment for breast cancer. Dance-based interventions yielded mixed outcomes—showing most promise with body image enhancement—while data on poetry, though promising, remained limited and highlighted the need for further exploration.
Why Art Therapy Matters: Addressing the Aftermath of Cancer
Even after completing treatment, cancer survivors face other challenges, including anxiety, depression, altered self-image, and existential uncertainty. Conventional medical care often overlooks multi-layered needs. Art therapy offers survivors avenues to process complex emotions, express fears, and cultivate resilience.
Enhancing Quality of Life
The act of making art—whether painting emotions on a canvas, crafting verses, or simply coloring—can reduce psychological distress and foster a sense of control and hope. Art therapies serve not only as an emotional outlet, but as a means to restore agency and connection:
Creative writing and poetry enable survivors to reframe their experiences, articulate new narratives, and find community through shared storytelling.
Drawing and painting provide a nonjudgmental space to process thoughts and externalize feelings that are difficult to verbalize.
Group art sessions build bonds among participants, reducing the sense of isolation common in survivorship.
Art practice often triggers beneficial physiological responses, such as emotional regulation and reduced stress.
Creative Healing in Practice at SurvivingBreastCancer.org
SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers a plethora of creative programs as core, evidence-based components of survivorship support. Our programs include:
Our offerings are completely free and open to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, wherever they are in their cancer experience.
Want more? Check out lots of videos on our Expressive Arts YouTube playlist!
The Call to Creativity
Art therapy unlocks an individual’s innate healing potential, allowing them not only to cope, but to truly thrive. Research shows that supporting cancer recovery also means supporting creativity—in all its beautiful and restorative forms.
“When you create with intention, your subconscious mind begins to speak,” explains Artistic Expression facilitator Elisa Herrera. “As you choose colors, shape forms, or allow words to emerge, you are receiving messages from your inner self. This process becomes a quiet yet powerful conversation, one that reveals what is happening beneath the surface, the emotions that are asking to be acknowledged, and the importance of giving them space to be seen, felt, and honored.”
Artistic Expression participants share their experiences:
This is one of my favorite programs SBC offers. Learning to express myself is great!
I didn't know what to expect from the class. It was good to experience other participants' art and their emotions and stories along with the support.
Always a pleasure to attend. My favorite part is when everyone shares.
Like always, I love this safe, sacred space!
Learn more and register for programs at survivingbreastcancer.org/events.
On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations
Breast Cancer Stopped My Life—Music and Meditation Helped Me Breathe Again
Share your story, poetry, or art:
SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: