Music therapy taps into long-term memory, which remains intact longer than short-term memory in dementia patients.

"One of our patients struggles to recall much from his past. He has Dementia. However, whenever he listens to songs in his mother tongue, it boosts his mood and reconnect with his memories," Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist, Psychologist, CEO & Co-founder of Epoch Elder Care told me recently.

This made me wonder if music can really help elderly patients with complex neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Dementia and Multiple Sclerosis. Turns out that it can. While it does not specifically treat them, music definitely helps stabilize symptoms, fostering emotional well-being and improving the quality of life for patients.

Music And Memories To Treat Physical Symptoms

Behavioural challenges, such as aggression, anxiety, and social disinhibition, are common in patients with Dementia. Music therapy addresses these issues by creating a calming atmosphere and making them more open to treatment. "Listening to or engaging with music can soothe anxiety, regulate sleep patterns, and encourage them to be more receptive to assistance in performing their activities of daily life (ADL) more comfortably. Moreover, Reminiscence therapy, which helps recall events and discuss past events to improve their well-being, is known to be profoundly effective in treating such conditions.

Music therapy also taps into long-term memory, which remains intact longer than short-term memory in those suffering from Dementia. Familiar tunes or songs from childhood can stimulate certain neural connections, particularly if they are in their mother tongue. This soothes their anxiety, provides comfort and even prompts them to engage in social conversations.

Additionally, music therapy aids motor coordination, which is particularly helpful to those with Parkinson's. Incorporating rhythmic movements like walking or light dancing to music can improve muscle relaxation and enhance motor abilities. While there is no direct evidence linking music therapy to alleviating physical symptoms, its positive impact on mood and cognitive function makes patients more receptive to medical treatment.

Music Therapy Has Shown Significant Benefits

Healing with music is believed to date back to ancient Greece when music was used in an attempt to cure mental disorders. Throughout history, music has been used to boost morale in military troops, help people work faster and more productively, and even ward off evil spirits by chanting.

Music therapy does not involve specialists in most cases. It involves:

• listening to music
• singing along to music
• moving to the beat of the music
• meditating
• playing an instrument

Molly, a head nurse at a leading city hospital, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemotherapy and surgery helped her overcome the disease, but 26 years later, it resurfaced during a routine examination. By then, the experience had faded from the minds of many, including her family.

Molly is not alone. Filmmaker and author Tahira Kashyap was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in 2018. She underwent a mastectomy, followed by systemic therapies and chemotherapy. In 2025, she revealed that her cancer had relapsed after seven years.

“Round 2 for me... I still got this,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of routine screening and regular mammograms.

In 2024, breast cancer caused an estimated 694,000 deaths and 2.4 million new cases worldwide, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in 164 of 186 countries.

“The last chemotherapy session or final radiation appointment may mark the end of active breast cancer treatment. But for many women, the fear does not end there. ‘What if the cancer comes back?’ can remain an unsettling companion, even on the happiest days,”

Prof. Jyoti Bajpai, Director – Medical, Precision & Immuno-Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai & Western Zone, told HealthandMe.

Despite advances in screening and treatment, completing treatment does not mean an immediate return to normal life. As hospital visits become less frequent, friends and family may assume the hardships are over. But survivorship can mark the beginning of a quieter struggle with fear, uncertainty and adapting to a changed body and mind, added Dr. Randeep Singh, Director and Senior Consultant, Oncology Services, Medical Oncology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.

The Physical and Financial Burden of Survivorship

Also read: Breast Cancer At 26 Sent This US Woman Into Menopause Before 30: What Is The Hidden Toll Of Treatment

Fatigue, joint pain, menopausal symptoms and changes in body image may persist after treatment, Prof. Jyoti noted. Every ache can trigger anxiety, while follow-up appointments can revive old fears.

Restrictive diets, conflicting advice and misinformation can complicate everyday decisions. The pressure to resume family and professional responsibilities may also leave little room for emotional distress.

An Indian study led by the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Karnataka and presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting found that 43% of breast cancer survivors reported persistent fatigue and reduced physical activity, while 71% reported financial concerns.

The Fear of Recurrence

Dr. Randeep described fear of recurrence as one of the most challenging aspects of survivorship.

“Fear of recurrence is one of the most challenging aspects of survivorship. Survivors still may be concerned about the bumps, aches, and pains they experience that are different from those they are used to. You may start to think of things that cause you fear and anxiety: How can it be that I just have a headache, but how can it be that the cancer has returned?”

Scans, blood tests and follow-up visits can also be emotionally draining.

“There may be worry or stress that is hard to describe to someone who's never been through it before. To a survivor, it can be a reminder of all the things that have happened to her and all the things she fears. This worry is not a weakness. The journey from cancer survivor can alter someone's notion of safety, health and the future.”

Changes in Body Image and Intimacy

Read More: Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Experts Explain Most Overlooked Breast Changes That Can Delay Diagnosis In Men

Changes in appearance can affect self-confidence, Dr. Randeep told HealthandMe. Hair may regrow differently, scars may remain, and the loss or reshaping of a breast can change how a woman feels about her body. Physical discomfort, diminished libido or reduced attraction to a partner may also affect intimacy.

“These experiences are so personal. A woman may be thankful to be alive and at the same time mourn the body, energy, or normalcy she had prior to her cancer diagnosis. Both emotions can be experienced at the same time and neither lessens her strength,” he said.

The Loneliness Behind the Smile

During treatment, support may come through phone calls, hospital visits, meals and messages of encouragement. Once treatment ends, that attention can fade as people assume the survivor is fine.

Survivors may also feel pressured to remain positive, particularly when others remind them how fortunate they are to have survived. They may suppress anxiety, sadness or frustration to avoid worrying their families.

Why Support Must Continue After Treatment

Cancer care must extend beyond controlling the disease, said Prof. Jyoti Bajpai, Founder & President-Elect of the Immuno-Oncology Society of India (I-OSI) and Asia Co-Chair of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).

Alongside appropriate surveillance and management of physical symptoms, women need evidence-based guidance, nutritional support and psychological care. Families must recognize that recovery is individual and that fear of recurrence deserves compassion, not dismissal.

Family and friends, counsellors and breast cancer survivor groups can provide emotional support. Healthy habits, gentle physical activity, adequate rest and honest conversations with healthcare professionals can also help survivors cope. Persistent anxiety, depression or physical symptoms should not be ignored; medical or psychological help should be sought when needed.

Survivorship is a process of rebuilding trust, finding happiness and accepting an uncertain future. The goal is not merely to help women live beyond cancer, but to give them the support, understanding and confidence to live fully again.

“No woman should have to navigate that journey alone,” Dr. Jyoti said.

Adenomyosis is a condition that can affect younger women too. It is not limited to women in their 30s or 40s, although it becomes more common with age. Pooja, a 39-year-old pilot, noticed her periods becoming heavier and more painful. Increasing bleeding left her exhausted, while pelvic pain began interfering with daily life. Further evaluation and imaging revealed adenomyosis. Treatment helped bring her bleeding and pain under better control.

Symptoms such as heavy periods, painful cramps and pelvic discomfort may be caused by adenomyosis, a benign condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It is sometimes mistaken for endometriosis because the symptoms can be similar. However, the two conditions are different, although they can occur together.

Adenomyosis can occur across different age groups. Nearly 1 in 10 women with subfertility may have isolated adenomyosis, while pooled studies suggest it may be found in almost 1 in 2 women presenting with pelvic pain.

It can also affect women who are not planning pregnancy. A woman in her 40s or 50s may notice increasingly heavy periods, severe cramps or pelvic pressure that begins interfering with work and daily life. Even after years of having periods without major problems, a sudden change in bleeding or pain should not simply be dismissed as ageing.

What Exactly Is Adenomyosis?

The uterus has an inner lining called the endometrium and a muscular layer called the myometrium. Normally, these layers remain separate. In adenomyosis, tissue similar to the endometrium is found within the muscular wall.

This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, contributing to inflammation and thickening of the uterine muscle. The uterus may become enlarged and tender, and periods may become heavier or more painful.

Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the two conditions is where the tissue grows. In adenomyosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. In endometriosis, similar tissue grows outside the uterus, commonly around the ovaries, pelvic lining and other pelvic organs.

Adenomyosis is more commonly associated with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramps and pelvic pressure. Endometriosis may more commonly cause pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex, or pain during bowel movements or urination, particularly around periods.

However, symptoms can overlap, and both conditions can affect fertility. Therefore, symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish between them.

What Are the Symptoms?

Some women with adenomyosis have no symptoms, while others experience problems that affect their work and daily activities.

Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Severe period cramps
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pelvic tenderness
• Pain during intercourse
• Fatigue associated with heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding can eventually cause iron-deficiency anaemia, resulting in tiredness, weakness and reduced energy. Adenomyosis may also be identified during an evaluation for difficulty conceiving.

Who May Be At Risk?

Adenomyosis is more commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s. Previous childbirth, caesarean section and certain uterine surgeries or procedures may be associated with a higher likelihood.

However, these are not requirements, and adenomyosis can occur without them. Age or medical history alone should not be used to rule it out.

Preety, a 32-year-old housewife, was being evaluated for difficulty conceiving. During her fertility assessment, imaging suggested adenomyosis. Her doctors considered her symptoms and reproductive goals while planning treatment.

Her case highlights an important point: adenomyosis does not look the same in every woman, and treatment cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

How Is Adenomyosis Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed discussion about symptoms and medical history, followed by a gynaecological examination where appropriate.

Ultrasound is commonly used as the first imaging investigation, while MRI may be recommended for a more detailed assessment.

Treatment depends on individual needs. There is no single treatment suitable for every woman with adenomyosis. Doctors consider symptom severity, age, overall health, response to previous treatments and, importantly, whether she wants to become pregnant now or in the future.

Management may include medicines to control pain or bleeding, hormonal treatments and, in selected cases, procedures or surgery. Hormonal IUDs may also be considered for women who are not currently planning pregnancy. In severe cases, hysterectomy may be considered when future pregnancy is not desired.

Women planning pregnancy may require a different approach from those who have completed their family.

The goal is to control symptoms, protect quality of life and address reproductive goals.

Don’t Normalise Debilitating Periods

A major challenge with adenomyosis is that its symptoms can be normalised. A woman may spend years believing that extremely heavy bleeding or debilitating cramps are simply part of having periods. They should not automatically be ignored.

If periods become significantly heavier, pain worsens, bleeding causes fatigue or anaemia, or pelvic pain interferes with daily life or fertility plans, a consultation with a gynaecologist can help identify the underlying cause.

Adenomyosis is benign, but living with its symptoms does not have to be accepted as normal. Recognising the signs, getting evaluated and choosing treatment based on individual needs can help women regain control of their reproductive health and quality of life.

(By Dr Kanchi Khurana, Associate Director – Department of Fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh)

Breast cancer in men is far less common than in women. So there are a lot of factors that drive delay in breast cancer diagnosis in men. A breast lump in a man is dismissed as a fatty deposit, a hormonal change or something that happens only to women. However, men have breast tissue too, so overlooking warning signs can delay diagnosis.

On Breast Cancer Awareness Day, four experts spoke to HealthandMe about the breast changes men should watch for, why the disease is detected late, how to identify suspicious lumps from benign breast enlargement, and which men face a higher risk.

Besides misinformation and misconception, Dr Deepak Jha, Chief, Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, pointed towards an important societal factor that can delay breast cancer diagnosis in men.

Dr. Jha said, “Embarrassment and fear of judgment can also put men off seeking medical advice.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Breast Changes Should Men Never Ignore

A lump is not the only warning sign of breast cancer in men. Changes in the nipple, surrounding skin and underarm area may also warrant medical evaluation.

Dr Ankur Bahl, Principal Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute, Defence Colony, explains that breast cancer can sometimes present with changes in the nipple or surrounding skin without an obvious lump.

“Men should watch for changes such as nipple inversion, unusual discharge, particularly blood-stained discharge, persistent redness, skin dimpling, ulceration or changes in the shape of the breast. Swelling in the underarm area may also warrant evaluation,” he told us.

Dr Jha, highlights thickening in the breast, even when there is no distinct lump, which is an overlooked sign of breast cancer.

“Cancer can sometimes start with subtle signs that are often disregarded. Even though pain is not a typical early sign of breast cancer, persistent pain should not be ignored,” he said.

Dr Kanav Kumar, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India, also urges men to pay attention to changes around the nipple and breast skin.

“Men should look out for changes in the nipple or the skin around the breast, even if they cannot feel a lump. Warning signs include the nipple turning inward, unusual or blood-stained nipple discharge, redness, scaling, skin dimpling or sores that do not heal. Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone should also be checked,” he said.

Dr Ritu Dave, Medical Oncologist and Hemato-Oncologist, M|O|C Cancer Care, Pune, too, identifies nipple inversion, bloody discharge, redness or scaling, skin dimpling, thickening, ulceration and changes in breast shape as signs requiring medical evaluation.

She said that these changes do not necessarily indicate cancer, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored. Men should seek medical advice rather than wait for a lump to appear or for existing symptoms to worsen.

Also read: Breast Cancer At 26 Sent This US Woman Into Menopause Before 30: What Is The Hidden Toll Of Treatment

Why Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed Late In Men?

Low awareness and embarrassment contribute to delays in diagnosing male breast cancer. Many men do not consider the disease a possibility and may dismiss early symptoms as harmless.

Dr Bahl explains that men may delay seeking medical advice because of the assumption that breast cancer affects only women. He adds that symptoms may be neglected until a lump enlarges. Dr Jha points to a similar problem, stating that men may mistake a breast lump for a fat deposit, a hormonal change or a benign swelling.

Dr Kumar explains how these misconceptions can affect early detection. “Breast cancer is often seen as a woman's disease, so men may not recognise its symptoms or consider it a possibility. Some may dismiss a lump as harmless or delay seeing a doctor because of embarrassment or a lack of awareness,” he said.

Another important factor is the absence of routine screening for the general male population. As Dr Dave explains, “There is also no routine mammography screening for the general male population.”

This means that male breast cancer is often investigated only after symptoms become noticeable. Dr Dave also highlights an anatomical consideration: “Because men have less breast tissue, a tumour can reach the skin or nipple relatively early.”

Also read: Why Peak Incidence For Breast Cancer In India Occurs Between Ages 40–50, Compared To 60–70 In The US & Europe

Breast Cancer Or Gynecomastia?

Not every breast lump in a man is cancerous. Gynecomastia, a non-cancerous enlargement of male breast gland tissue, is a common alternative explanation. It may be caused due to hormonal changes or certain medications.However, men should not rely on how a lump feels to determine whether it is harmless.

Dr Bahl explains the typical differences between the two conditions. “Gynecomastia, or enlargement of breast tissue in men, commonly causes a rubbery or firm, often disc-shaped area directly beneath the nipple. It may affect one or both breasts and can be tender. A suspicious lump may feel hard.” he said.

Dr Jha also said that a cancerous lump is more likely to be hard, painless, irregular and present on one side, sometimes away from the nipple. Nipple inversion, bloody discharge, skin dimpling and underarm swelling are additional warning signs he flagged.

Which Men Are At Higher Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Although male breast cancer is uncommon, certain genetic and lifestyle factors can increase the risk. Dr Bahl said increasing age, strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, Klinefelter syndrome, previous chest radiation, liver disease, obesity and conditions associated with prolonged oestrogen exposure as relevant risk factors.

Dr. Kumar said, “The risk increases with age, particularly after 50.”

Other factors include previous radiation treatment to the chest and certain liver or testicular conditions. Dr Jha also identifies obesity and certain testicular disorders among the factors that require attention.

Dr Dave highlights the importance of identifying men with inherited mutations or a family history, who may need more monitoring.

She said, “Men with significant family history or inherited mutations should discuss genetic counselling and an individualised monitoring plan with their doctor. Routine mammography is not recommended for all men.”

Men with these risk factors should discuss these factors with their specialists. Depending on their medical and family history, genetic counselling, testing or personalised testing may be suitable.

Also read: US Woman’s Pancreatic Cancer Spotted On Routine Heart Scan: How It Saved Her Life

Tests Needed To Rule Out Breast Cancer In Men

When a man presents with specific breast changes, doctors begin with a clinical examination and an assessment of his medical and family history.

Dr Bahl explains that the initial evaluation includes examining the breasts and lymph nodes, followed by diagnostic imaging and a biopsy.

He said, “Depending on the findings and the patient's age, diagnostic imaging may include mammography and targeted ultrasound. If the examination or imaging raises suspicion, a core needle biopsy is generally performed to obtain tissue for pathological confirmation.”

Dr Jha explains why imaging alone may not be sufficient. “Imaging can show that a change is suspicious, but it cannot always prove cancer. Doctors usually diagnose it with a core needle biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue,” he said.

The biopsy sample is examined to establish whether cancer is present. If the diagnosis is confirmed, further testing helps determine the type of cancer and treatment.

Dr Dave explains the role of additional tumour testing. “In case when cancer is diagnosed, further analysis of hormonal receptors and HER2 will be necessary,” she said.

Hormone receptor and HER2 results help doctors understand the tumour's features and design treatment. Depending on the clinical stage and findings, further investigations may be needed.

Dr Kumar stresses the importance of timely assessment, saying that the first step is a clinical examination, followed by mammography or ultrasound where indicated and a biopsy if the findings are suspicious.