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Nature-Based Interventions and Exposure among Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Erica R. Timko Olson

    (School of Nursing, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)

  • Anthony A. Olson

    (St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN 56321, USA)

  • Megan Driscoll

    (School of Nursing, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)

  • Amber L. Vermeesch

    (Department of Family and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA)

Abstract

Background and purpose: nature-based interventions (NBI) have been shown to have positive effects on physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health. The purpose of this scoping literature review was to describe what is known regarding the cancer survivor experience in relationship to their interaction with the natural environment. Description/methods: this review was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The research strategy included a combination of these terms: cancer, neoplasms, nature, and forest therapy. The articles were blinded and screened by four independent researchers. A total of twelve articles were selected. Outcome/results: a total of 2786 cancer survivors participated in the twelve studies with multiple types and stages of cancer represented. The studies used multiple designs and measures. Results showed improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep, connectedness, stress, tension, confusion, fatigue, and pain. Participants reported that nature was the most important resource in coping with their cancer. Conclusions and implications: nature is beneficial for cancer survivors while they experience cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nature opportunities can be feasibly delivered with this population and need to be explored further and safely implemented to support the overall health and well-being of cancer survivors.

Suggested Citation

  • Erica R. Timko Olson & Anthony A. Olson & Megan Driscoll & Amber L. Vermeesch, 2023. "Nature-Based Interventions and Exposure among Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2376-:d:1050109
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hyeyun Kim & Yong Won Lee & Hyo Jin Ju & Bong Jin Jang & Yeong In Kim, 2019. "An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-7, July.
    2. Jean C. Bikomeye & Andreas M. Beyer & Jamila L. Kwarteng & Kirsten M. M. Beyer, 2022. "Greenspace, Inflammation, Cardiovascular Health, and Cancer: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Greenspace in Cardio-Oncology Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-22, February.
    3. Erica R. Timko Olson & Margaret M. Hansen & Amber Vermeesch, 2020. "Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku: Potential for Physiological and Psychological Interventions during Uncertain Times," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-13, December.
    4. David Victorson & Gretchen Doninger & Scott Victorson & Gwen Victorson & Lars Hall & Carly Maletich & Bradley R. Corr & Kathy Scortino & Zachary Burns & Lori Allen & Ian Rosa & Kelley Quirk & Adekunle, 2021. "Psychosocial and Biological Outcomes of Immersive, Mindfulness-Based Treks in Nature for Groups of Young Adults and Caregivers Affected by Cancer: Results from a Single Arm Program Evaluation from 201," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, November.
    5. Amber L. Pearson & Victoria Breeze & Aaron Reuben & Gwen Wyatt, 2021. "Increased Use of Porch or Backyard Nature during COVID-19 Associated with Lower Stress and Better Symptom Experience among Breast Cancer Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-13, August.
    6. Poung-Sik Yeon & Jin-Young Jeon & Myeong-Seo Jung & Gyeong-Min Min & Ga-Yeon Kim & Kyung-Mi Han & Min-Ja Shin & Seong-Hee Jo & Jin-Gun Kim & Won-Sop Shin, 2021. "Effect of Forest Therapy on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-27, December.
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