Starlight Therapy: Reduction of Anxiety in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving First-Time Treatment

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is an undermanaged mental health symptom in women with breast cancer. It is frequently reported prior to treatment and may be seen to nearly double during chemotherapy treatment. Snoezelen® Multi-Sensory Environments, which use methods of sensory engagement including light projection, are described as relaxing spaces that can help reduce agitation and anxiety. OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether starlight therapy (light projection of stars and clouds) is feasible and acceptable and whether it can help reduce anxiety in women with breast cancer receiving cycle 1, day 1 treatment in the ambulatory setting. METHODS: The study team conducted a single-group pre-/post-test pilot (N = 30) with data collection at four time points on the day of chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatment. FINDINGS: Starlight therapy is feasible and acceptable. Participating women with breast cancer experienced a reduction in anxiety levels on cycle 1, day 1 of chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatment. No patient scored positive for clinical anxiety after receiving starlight therapy and after infusion.