Healing Beams: Radiation and Radiotherapy in Novels, Poems, Music, Film, Painting

The utility of radiation and radiation therapy to treat patients with cancer is determined by more than just biomedical or physical factors: patient perceptions of radiation influence both uptake of and adherence to radiation therapy. Such perceptions have been represented in various genres of art and are identifiable in novels, poems, music, film and paintings. In this paper, we outline how radiation therapy has been represented in novels, poems, music, film and the visual arts. Adopting a narrative review approach, empirical research on patient perceptions of radiation therapy is briefly summarised, as are studies on behavioural interventions to help patients cope with radiation therapy. The potential applicability of music (music therapy), film (photovoice) and painting (art therapy) in patients having to undergo radiation therapy is briefly considered. Key findings pertain to improving psychological responses to radiation therapy (reduction in anxiety, depression, fatigue), medical outcomes (duration and perceived discomfort) and patient-healthcare provider communication. As health humanities is the overarching paradigm for research and clinical work in this domain, the examination of patient experiences of radiation therapy provides a novel and timely field of research and clinical work in radiation therapy and health psychology.