Study Shows Music Can Reduce Anxiety in Breast Surgery Patients in China

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, leading to notable psychological distress during the transition from disease suspicion to diagnosis and surgery. Previous studies have shown that approximately 36 to 80 percent of patients experience moderate pre-operative anxiety, with 7 to 17.6 percent facing high levels of anxiety. Qualitative research reveals that patients often feel as if they are battling an unknown entity, grappling with physical changes and emotional turmoil. A longitudinal study found that nearly 30 percent of women with high pre-operative anxiety reported continued anxiety after surgery.

The study involved 40 patients at the Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, where a music listening program was integrated into the standard surgical protocol starting in October 2023. Nurses received training from a certified music therapist to select appropriate music based on patient preferences and to lead brief breathing exercises.

The intervention utilized a structured protocol: patients’ vital signs and anxiety were measured upon entering the operating room, followed by music being played before anesthesia and during recovery, with final assessments occurring just before discharge. The music library included various genres curated for relaxation, and patients had the option to select their music or rely on nurses' choices, though all participants ended up listening to nurse-selected tracks.

Results indicated an average decrease of nearly 3 points on a 10-point anxiety scale from pre-operative to post-operative assessments (p-value < 0.001). Both heart and respiratory rates declined significantly during the waiting period, while post-operative heart rates also fell, signaling effective relaxation. However, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased post-operatively, attributed to surgical stress and the reactivation of the autonomic nervous system as patients emerged from anesthesia.

Interestingly, the total time spent listening to music (averaging 57 minutes) did not correlate significantly with reductions in anxiety or satisfaction levels, though the most substantial decrease in anxiety occurred within the 70 to 80-minute listening range. Satisfaction with music selection had a strong positive correlation with overall procedural satisfaction, highlighting its crucial role.

Despite 90 percent of participants believing music interventions helped reduce anxiety, barriers such as accessibility and financial constraints were identified. Most participants were unaware of music-based interventions prior to their hospital experience.

While the study acknowledges limitations, including its small, homogeneous sample, it offers practical recommendations for integrating music in surgical care. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored music selection and ongoing training for those delivering these interventions, paving the way for broader implementation of music-based strategies in oncology care in China.