Researchers are not clowning around, as data shows laughter can reduce anxiety in child patients Hospital jesters can reduce physical pain as well as stress in youngsters undergoing medical procedures, including treatment for cancer 17 December 2020 • 6:00am Children and adolescents who had been entertained by hospital clowns reported significantly less anxiety during a range of medical procedures Credit: Stephanie LeCocq/Shutterstock It seems that laughter really is the best medicine, particularly for children facing the prospect of painful treatment. A new study has found hospital clowns can reduce physical pain as well as emotional anxiety and stress in children undergoing medical procedures, including treatment for cancer.