CHALFONT ST. GILES, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today GE Healthcare announced the launch of ‘Give a Little Beat’, a musical initiative and a first in the healthcare industry, to connect people in the fight against breast cancer through the power of music and social media. By visiting www.givealittlebeat.com, users will be able to share and listen to songs from the online GE Healthcare’s Jukebox, powered by Spotify, the leading digital music service, in support of breast cancer patients and to raise awareness about the disease.

Much research has been done on the physical and emotional effects of music. According to the American Cancer Society, there is evidence that alongside conventional treatment, music therapy can help to reduce pain and relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It may also relieve stress and provide an overall sense of well-being. Some studies have found that music therapy can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.^1,2

“We are conscious of the healing power of music and its universal reach, which cuts through geographical and cultural barriers. We strongly believe that music and social media are the best way to connect people in the fight against breast cancer and to spread the powerful message that early detection can save lives”, said Jeff DeMarrais, GE Healthcare's Chief Communications Officer.

GE Healthcare pioneers ‘Give a Little Beat’ campaign, an open invitation to submit a song or listen to any of the songs from the “Hope”, “Love”, “Party” and “Shout” playlists on GE Healthcare’s Jukebox. People can participate by visiting www.givealittlebeat.com or the ‘Give a Little Beat’ Facebook App. Songs will be also shared through Twitter, and other social media platforms, with the #BCMBeats hashtag.

This initiative supplements the recent campaign announced by GE Healthcare to mobilize thousands of GE employees to form 'Human Ribbons' and visually demonstrate the global fight against the disease during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It also reinforces the messages posted on GE’s Breast Cancer Mosaic, a dedicated site created to share stories from breast cancer survivors, family members and healthcare professionals to increase awareness around the disease and to inspire those who are going through a difficult time.

Come join us - GE Healthcare’s Jukebox is just getting started: the ‘Give a Little Beat’ for Breast Cancer campaign is the first of many inspiring initiatives powered by Spotify that the company will launch in the coming months.

¹American Cancer Society. Music Therapy. Retrieved Oct, 18 2012 from http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/MindBodyandSpirit/music-therapy

²BreastCancer.Org. Music Therapy. Retrieved Oct, 18 2012 from http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/types/music

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