Learning Objective #1: List evidence for the three modalities (exercise, imagery and music) in use with clients with breast cancer

Learning Objective #2: Project two ways to integrate each of the modalities into nursing practice, education and research

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The worldwide burden of cancer continues to grow with a significant number of patients with cancer at all stages experiencing considerable distress as a result of the diagnosis and treatment. Complementary care has been reported as one of the most used by women with breast cancer as a result of the need for holistic care as well as coping and healing modalities during and following cancer treatment(Laffety et al., 2004). Breast cancer has the third highest rate of depression of all cancers (Koopman, 2002). Three modalities (exercise, imagery and music)have evidence to suggest their usefulness during the transition, perspective transformation and transcendence of the breast cancer journey. It is remarkable that despite the prevalence and benefits of these modalities, nurses are lacking in knowledge of their usefulness, scientific evidence, and how to integrate them into nursing practice and education. This translational research will review and synthesize the results of 106 studies to make application to clinical practice and education. Exercise mediates the distress of cancer while imagery and music relieve anxiety, comfort and provide distraction. Curriculum guidelines for the use of these modalities will be provided. Implications are for nurses to become better prepared in use of these modalities in the new millennium. Exercise, imagery and music are safe and effective, easily accessible and applicable, cost effective, globally useful, cross-cultural modalities to promote coping, healing, transitioning, making a perspective transformation and transcending in a variety of chronic illnesses. Knowlege and use of these modalities promote a more caring and user friendly health care environment.