Sing It Out

27 July 2026 — lia-rogers

Singing can make you feel better in all sorts of ways. It can lower the stress hormone cortisol, help you build up your confidence, and allows you to express feelings you might not have the words for.

For some it’s about self expression. Some find comfort in harmonising with other voices. Some enjoy the challenge of learning new songs. And some simply like to be in community. There are choirs all over the country for all levels and skill sets. There are also choirs created specifically with cancer in mind, offering respite to those with cancer and those supporting them.

Tenovus Cancer Care’s Sing with Us choirs are for anyone affected by cancer. They happen all over Wales, offering support, friendship and fun. 

Tenovus has also conducted research into the benefits of singing by looking at biomarkers in the singers’ saliva before and after choir. The results showed an increased immune response and a reduction in the hormones associated with stress and depression. They then partnered with the Royal Marsden Hospital, Imperial College London and the Royal College of Music to do further research. These studies focused on carers and the recently bereaved. The results showed huge benefits to mental health and wellbeing in comparison to the non-singing control group.

Bolton Cancer Voices is a community choir for adults living with or beyond cancer. Open and free to all, whether someone has experience or not, with no auditions and no need to be able to read music.

OutSingCancer choirs are held in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Rustlington in West Sussex. It offers the chance to meet up to enjoy music and singing together. It also offers the chance to join live performances throughout the year. New members are always welcome. No audition required. 

Singing is also used therapeutically in head and neck cancer patients to improve swallowing, laryngeal elevation and vocal quality. 

There is a free six week programme listed on Cancer Care Map for people living with and beyond cancer. ABC Active Breathing Course from Voices of Hope combines breathing exercises and singing techniques to help you manage breathlessness, anxiety, and improve wellbeing. Attend online or in person in south west London/Surrey. 

Whether you want to take on a new challenge and build up to a live performance, or simply have a weekly sing-song with people who understand what you’re going through, type your postcode and the keyword ‘choir’ into the Cancer Care Map homepage. Find the choir that’s right for you.