Omotayo Oluwashina: Art4Cancer: Art and Cancer Care 

“Art4Cancer: Art and Cancer Care

Art has long been a medium of expression, healing, and connection, playing a crucial role in wellness and rehabilitation. The therapeutic benefits of art have been recognized for centuries. However, the specific application of art therapy in cancer care began gaining traction in the mid-20th century with the establishment of the American Art Therapy Association in 1969. In 2019, World Health Organization began exploring artistic interventions to advance specific health goals, including universal health coverage (UHC), mental health and suicide prevention, maternal health, blindness prevention, and quality of care. From improving emotional well-being and quality of life to aiding in pain management, art therapy plays a vital role in holistic cancer care, and this integration continues to evolve, offering hope and support to cancer patients worldwide.

In February this year, the MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION held its biennial Art4Cancer event, a significant initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer treatment, particularly prostate cancer. The event, themed ‘Brushing off the Silence’ featured a diverse array of art forms depicting various aspects of the cancer journey which in turn, marked this year’s World Cancer Day. Art proved to be a powerful tool for communicating the challenges and emotions that come with cancer whilst raising awareness. The initiative underscored the foundation’s broader mission to combat cancer, where proceeds from the sale of artworks were directed towards supporting indigent cancer patients. The significance of collaboration in tackling cancer in LMICs cannot be overemphasised as it was evident in the roles played by the partners (Johnson and Johnson and Abdullah U. Maigaskiya visuals) in the successful actualisation of the event. Present at the event were stakeholders from different walks of life, cancer patients and survivors alike. The Art4Cancer event is a multifaceted initiative that has continued to meet its goals and I am proud to have been a part of this transformation of cancer care both in Nigeria and LMICs.”