Abstract

Cancer is an exhausting, distressing, debilitating, and difficult experience for those diagnosed. Not only the obvious physical consequences, but also various psycho-social symptoms such as stress, overwhelm, nausea, pain, sadness, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, isolation, inability to carry out daily activities, impaired family communication, withdrawal, etc., reduce the quality of life and suppress the will and strength to fight. There are a number of studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of art therapy in the management of these symptoms in patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Art therapy is not a modern invention, but rather a universal method of therapy that dates back to the ancient world. It is defined as the use of various art materials to bring about positive development in individuals, resolve conflicts, reduce physical and mental problems, solve problems, provide diagnosis and treatment to help cope with stress. Its main purpose is to enable individuals to express themselves freely, enhance their creativity and showcase their aesthetic side while increasing their productivity. In all cultures, people of all ages and genders use art as a means of communication, as a healing tool for psychological and physical pain, to convey feelings, thoughts, experiences and beliefs, and to strengthen spiritual values. In the literature review, it was reported that a wide range of symptoms were reduced in patients receiving art therapy, the time intervals between analgesics and antiemetics were prolonged, symptoms were greatly reduced, physiological and chemical activities activated by the creative process were improved, and better quality results were obtained when a solid data base was established. However, it has been reported that new, high-quality research is needed to determine how long the effects of this approach will last, which patients will benefit most, and what the long-term effects will be. Z. Şengül, a 58-year-old female patient with colon polyps for about 3 years and recently diagnosed with small bowel cancer, applied to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. During the treatment process, the process of painting therapy was initiated under the umbrella of art therapy in the management of pain, stress and disease-related symptoms. For three days during her hospitalization, the patient was encouraged to paint with watercolors, which are considered freer and simpler than other types. Compared to the pre-therapy scales, there was a decrease in pain, nausea, anxiety, sadness, insomnia, and loss of appetite, and an increase in well-being. The patient’s anxiety level was reduced from 38 to 28 on the Beck Anxiety Rating Scale. As a result of symptom relief, improvement in physical activity, increased willingness to take care of daily needs, and improvement in sleep patterns were observed. At the end of the process, it was observed that the patient’s pain was significantly reduced and her attention and thoughts were distracted from feelings such as pain, nausea and restlessness. The patient stated that she would continue to use the art therapy method in symptom management after discharge.