St. Louis, IL.  Saint Louis University created a Center for Cancer Prevention, Research and Outreach to expand its scope to outreach and prevention improve the survival of St. Louis minorities – particularly African-American residents of north St. Louis City and County. As an initiative of SLU Cancer Center and School of Public Health, the virtual Center will join established advocacy organizations The Empowerment Network (TEN) and The Breakfast Club to expand screening, detection and treatment to fight cancer in members of minority groups.

The Saint Louis University Cancer Center is a joint initiative between Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Saint Louis University Hospital. Team Draft was able to tour the facilities and get to know the latest techniques in clinical research and treatment options for lung cancer patients in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.  We were also able to discuss the Cancer Center’s music therapy program.  In partnership with the St. Louis Symphony, musicians serenade patients with Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven.  These musicians are part of the SymphonyCares Program as part of a study on how music impacts cancer patients.  SLU Hospital patients enjoy performances not only by the Symphony but SLU student musicians, Maryville University music therapy internship students and board-certified music therapists.

Researchers monitor the patients’ respirations per minute, blood pressure and pulse. Participants also answer questions about their anxiety levels. The benefits of live music are well-documented by the American Music Therapy Association. One tangible way in which music can promote healing is when it’s performed at the speed of an ideal resting heart rate, around 60 to 72 beats a minute, something both certified therapists and Symphony musicians consider in their playing.

Patients receiving music therapy one-on-one from certified providers -- available at no extra charge at SLU hospital -- get to pick their favorite music.