Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Desmoid Tumor Patients Through Art

Executive summary. This proposal seeks $30,000 from the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF) over one year to create a Patient Wellness Art Program for people living with desmoid tumors. Coordinated by the Detroit Institute of Art and led by oncology social workers who run CancerCare support groups, the program offers art activities and tools to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, complemented by support groups and optional private counseling.

Statement of need

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a benign tumor that presents as painful soft-tissue masses. Though rare (affecting roughly 2 to 4 people per million per year and accounting for only 3% of soft-tissue tumors), it imposes a heavy burden. Patients commonly report delayed diagnosis, treatment uncertainty from a lack of established evidence-based options, debilitating pain, reduced mobility, lost confidence in their providers, and financial strain on their relationships.

With such a toll on body and mind, many patients ultimately face anxiety, depression, and other mental-health challenges. Yet few programs addressing the mental health of desmoid patients have been implemented and evaluated, which is a clear and compelling gap.

Art programs have been shown to ease depression and anxiety, helping patients process hidden feelings and the burdens their disease imposes. Done well, art therapy is tailored to each patient and paired with complementary support groups and private counseling.

Objectives and activities

Goal: reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with desmoid tumors by developing a patient-wellness art program.

• Objective 1, provide an art program for desmoid tumor patients at the Detroit Institute of Art. Activity: weekly art classes.
• Objective 2, improve mental well-being by lowering anxiety and depression. Activity: a socialization-focused support group after each class, plus optional private counseling.
• Objective 3, build a Patient Wellness Art Committee of an oncology social worker, the Detroit Institute of Art director, and art staff. Activity: weekly committee meetings across a twelve-month period.

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Written by Heba Azzam. A readable adaptation of a grant proposal; the formatted document is available on request, with full references in the original.