Women's Experiences after Hormone Positive Breast Cancer: Beginning of Radiation to 3-4 Years Post-Radiation

Occup Ther Health Care. 2024 Apr;38(2):364-384. doi: 10.1080/07380577.2022.2121991. Epub 2022 Sep 16.

Abstract

This study found that a breast cancer survivor cohort who were 3-4 years post-treatment returned to near baseline activity levels, and their important activity categories were nearly evenly distributed among instrumental activities of daily living, high-demand leisure, and social participation. When describing their experiences, three themes emerged: exercise is important physically and emotionally, participating in important activities feels good, and plans have been made to continue engaging in important activities. Further research is needed to compare activity resumption among those receiving or not receiving occupational therapy-at different timepoints-to understand when occupational therapy can make the greatest impact.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; cancer/oncology; exercise; leisure activities; neoplasms; occupational therapy; occupations; women.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Hormones
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Occupational Therapy*
  • Survivors

Substances

  • Hormones