
Can music help treat cancer? TMC's new facility to study role
Tata Memorial Centre
will try to scientifically answer once their new
research facility
in Khopoli, Raigad district, is established next year.
The 100-bed hospital and research centre will test commonly held anti-cancer beliefs to ascertain if they have a scientific basis. "We will assess yoga's role in cancer as well as the effectiveness of ayurvedic medications, plant extracts, or seaweed in combating cancer," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, director of Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), TMC's centre in Kharghar.
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
He said social media mentions many natural cures for cancers. "We will check if these social media posts are worthy or harmful for the people," said Dr Chaturvedi.
Music, like yoga, has many anecdotal reviews of having a positive effect on patients. On Thursday, when singer Shaan inaugurated a MENCAN initiative focusing on male-only cancers at ACTREC, Dr Chaturvedi said music has a role in palliative care and the Khopoli centre would explore the connection in detail. "Work has already begun, and it is likely to be ready next year."
Music has long been used as an add-on therapy. Sarod player Vivek Joshi, who calls himself a 'music healer', has performed for inmates of Thane Mental Hospital on multiple occasions. A year ago, Jaslok Hospital conducted a pilot study to assess whether performing music or dance, along with meditation, checked the progress of Parkinson's disease.
A 2022 study of 102 cancer patients in Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, indicated that those undergoing pain and palliative care experienced "notable outcomes from
music therapy
sessions, including a significant decrease in anxiety and pain perception, along with enhancements in mood and motivation".
An American study of 750 patients found music could be used as a tool for "distress reduction" during chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either music (listen to music for up to 60 minutes) or control (no music) conditions. "Patients who listened to self-selected music during infusion showed significant benefit in improved positive mood and reduced negative mood and distress (but not pain) from pre- to post-intervention," said the report published in 2023. "Music medicine is a low-touch, low-risk, and cost-effective way to manage patients' psychological well-being in the often stressful context of a cancer infusion clinic."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Indian Express
Hamas government office rejects US accusation of involvement in Gaza aid site attack
A Hamas government media office rejected accusations by the US State Department that the group was involved in a Saturday attack that injured two Americans at an aid distribution site in Gaza, it said on Sunday. The US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said on Saturday the injured American aid workers were receiving medical treatment after a grenade attack caused non-life-threatening injuries. A representative for UG Solutions, a North Carolina-based company providing security at GHF's aid distribution sites in Gaza, told Reuters on Sunday that the injured Americans were employed as private security contractors. The contractors were former US special forces and did not open fire after they were injured in order to avoid risking harm to nearby civilians, the person said. The Hamas-run media office described the US accusation as misleading, saying it was aimed at justifying 'the continued killing and starvation of Palestinian civilians'. 'We categorically and unequivocally reject the claims issued by the US State Department alleging that the Palestinian resistance threw explosives at American personnel operating at sites run by the so-called 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – GHF,' it said in a statement.


Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Tired of failed diets? This surprisingly simple habit can transform your weight-loss journey
Hunger Is Not the Enemy, Starvation Is Eat Early, Eat Often; But Eat Smart You Might Also Like: Alia Bhatt's nutritionist guarantees this weight loss diet plan is the only one that always works Protein: The Unsung Hero Balance Beats Restriction You Might Also Like: Top American cardiologist shares 5 easy steps to lose 13 kg weight naturally, without any injection shot In a world full of weight-loss gimmicks and crash diets that often leave people hungry, confused, and disappointed, a registered dietitian has shared a refreshingly human—and surprisingly simple—perspective. Natalie Rizzo, writing for EatingWell, says the number one habit for successful and sustainable weight loss isn't about cutting carbs or skipping meals—it's about eating before you're that could change all been there: the meeting ran late, errands piled up, and suddenly you're raiding the fridge like a wild animal—chips, peanut butter, cookies, anything in reach. According to Rizzo, that's where most weight-loss plans go off the rails. 'When you're overly hungry,' she explains, 'it's easy to reach for any food that sounds good.' The result? Overeating without even feeling overwhelming, ravenous hunger doesn't just sabotage portion control—it overrides our better judgment. Scientific studies back this up, linking erratic eating patterns like skipping meals with a higher risk of obesity. It's not just about calories in and out—it's about rhythm, timing, and being gentle with your body's how do you keep hunger from turning into sabotage? Rizzo recommends eating every three to four hours. That doesn't mean grazing non-stop, but rather giving your body consistent fuel so it doesn't panic and overcompensate later. And there's data to support it: studies show that those who eat regular, timed meals tend to lose more weight and keep it off more routine helps you stick to it, try scheduling your meals and snacks. But if life gets in the way—as it often does—setting a gentle reminder on your phone can help make this habit second cornerstone of this approach is protein. While it's long been linked to muscle building, protein plays an equally critical role in hunger management . It keeps you full, stabilizes your appetite hormones, and helps retain muscle mass—something that matters even more when you're trying to lose fat and not just encourages including protein in every meal and snack—especially breakfast, where many tend to fall short. If you're constantly hungry between meals, smoothies or protein-rich bites can be an easy way to fill that also debunks the myth that you must go low-carb or fat-free to lose weight. The key, she writes, is balance—lean proteins, whole carbs like vegetables and legumes, and healthy fats all working together. These foods not only keep you nourished but also offer fiber and satiety, making it easier to eat moderately and stay diets might offer quick fixes, but they rarely offer peace. 'Weight loss doesn't come down to one small change,' Rizzo writes. 'Many habits and behavior changes over time factor into long-term success.'If there's one message to take away from Natalie Rizzo's advice, it's this: don't let hunger take the wheel. By tuning into your body's needs before you're ravenous, eating consistently, and prioritizing protein and balance, you set yourself up for a gentler, more sustainable path to not glamorous. It's not viral. But it just might Rizzo reminds, 'The goal isn't to punish your body into change—it's to support it, one bite at a time.'


Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Top cardiologist reveals simple 20-minute daily habit that slashes heart disease risk by 50%
Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a renowned interventional cardiologist, reveals that walking just 20 to 30 minutes a day can slash heart disease risk by nearly 50%. Backed by a 2023 meta-analysis, his message highlights how simple habits—not biohacks or extreme workouts—can powerfully improve heart health and longevity, making movement the most accessible form of medicine. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No Gym? No Problem Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Heart Behind the Mission Popular in Panache In an age of fitness fads, biohacking trends, and high-intensity workout routines, a leading American cardiologist has reminded the world that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most powerful. Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj , a well-respected interventional cardiologist and functional medicine expert, recently posted on Instagram about one underrated daily habit that can drastically cut heart disease risk— to his post, just 20 to 30 minutes of walking every day can reduce the risk of heart disease by nearly 49%. Citing a 2023 meta-analysis, Dr. Bhojraj underscored how a consistent walking routine can regulate blood pressure, improve circulation and heart rate variability, lower stress hormones like cortisol, and enhance mood.'You don't need to biohack your way to longevity,' his caption reads. 'A 20-minute walk today could protect your heart for years. Simplicity saves lives.'Dr. Bhojraj's message breaks from the mainstream obsession with extreme fitness. 'It's not about HIIT or logging miles,' his post reads. 'It's about moving—consistently.' The idea is not to push the body to its limits but to maintain movement as a consistent part of one's daily routine. According to him, longevity begins not with a personal trainer or a protein shake, but with a short approach challenges the growing dependency on high-tech interventions and digital wellness trends, reminding people that true health can begin with the most accessible form of than just a cardiologist, Dr. Bhojraj is the founder of Well12, a 12-week lifestyle medicine program designed to help people reclaim their health through science-backed habits. His work integrates genomic medicine, breathwork, stress regulation, and sleep optimization to address the root causes of chronic disease. He is a certified practitioner with The Institute for Functional Medicine and a passionate advocate for holistic cardiovascular his clinical work and digital presence, Dr. Bhojraj hopes to reframe how people approach heart health—less about expensive solutions, more about daily heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, this humble message is more timely than ever. In a sea of complexity, Dr. Bhojraj offers a simple truth backed by science: Walk a little, live a lot.