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Joining A Choir Might Help Treat Cancer

Saliva samples taken after a choir rehearsal showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and a boost in immune proteins.
Posted at 9:12 PM, Apr 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-04 21:12:00-04

Singing in a choir could help treat cancer, according to a new study.

"We're seeing biological effects that actually mirror what we're seeing in the psychological and emotional testing," a Tenovus Cancer Care researcher said.

Saliva samples were taken from almost 200 people affected by cancer before and after about an hour of choir rehearsal.

Samples taken after a choir rehearsal showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and a boost in immune proteins.

Participants in the study had cancer, cared for someone with cancer or mourned the death of someone with cancer.

An upcoming study will evaluate the long-term effects of choral singing on people affected by cancer.

This video includes clips from Tenovus Cancer Care.