The effect of art therapy on the nausea and vomiting of patients with breast and lung cancer

Objektife: This study aimed to analyze the possible effect of art therapy on the nausea and vomiting of patients with breast and lung cancer. Methods: This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in the Chemotherapy Day Unit of Akdeniz University Hospital between September 2016 and June 2017. The study sample consisted of 60 patients (30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group) diagnosed with breast and lung cancers, who met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected using a patient information form and the MASCC Antiemesis Tool. The patients in the experimental group underwent art therapy for minimum 30 min at the first and second chemotherapy cycles during the treatment and for four days after the treatment. They were supported through phone calls to make paintings at home for four days after the treatment. Resulse: The patients who made paintings experienced acute vomiting during the first chemotherapy cycle and late nausea during the second chemotherapy cycle, and the severity of acute and late nausea was significantly lower for these patients compared with those who did not make paintings. Conclusion: This study indicated that art therapy reduced nausea and vomiting in patients with breast and lung cancers. Key words: art therapy, cancer, nausea and vomiting