title: Nature-based experiences and health of cancer survivors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although exposure to, and interaction with, natural environments are recognized as health-promoting, little is understood about the use of nature contact in treatment and rehabilitation for cancer survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  This narrative review summarizes the literature exploring the influence of nature-based experiences on survivor health. Key databases included CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycArticles, ProQuest, and Cancerlit databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Four major categories emerged: 1) Dragon boat racing may enhance breast cancer survivor quality of life, 2) Natural environment may counteract attentional fatigue in newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors, 3) Adventure programs provide a positive experience for children and adolescent survivors, fostering a sense of belonging and self-esteem, and 4) Therapeutic landscapes may decrease state-anxiety, improving survivor health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review contributes to a better understanding of the therapeutic effects of nature-based experiences on cancer survivor health, providing a point of entry for future study.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Physical Education and Recreation Studies, Faculty of Health & Community Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada. Electronic address: hray@mtroyal.ca.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health & Community Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada. Electronic address: sjakubec@mtroyal.ca.
authors.forename: Sonya L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Jakubec
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D002165:Camping; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019368:Nature; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D057173:Recreation Therapy; D012767:Ships; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Cancer survivor; Health; Nature; Nature-based therapy; Quality of life