title: Quality of Life and Resilience: Exploring a Fly Fishing Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors.
abstract: The Casting for Recovery® therapeutic intervention provides a positive, nontraditional weekend experience for breast cancer survivors. Participants receive fly fishing instruction and participate in structured and unstructured therapeutic activities.
  
  
  
  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether breast cancer survivors had improved resilience and quality-of-life scores after program participation.
  
  
  
  Participants completed the Quality of Life Breast Cancer questionnaire and Connor- Davidson Resilience Scale two weeks before and three and six months after the retreats.
  
  
  
  No statistically significant differences between pre- and postintervention quality-of-life or resilience scores were noted. However, qualitative data reflected a high degree of participant satisfaction, healing, and learning. Participants added that peer and volunteer connections, group camaraderie, good nutrition, being in nature, and learning a new skill were all positive aspects of the program.
authors.affiliation: Melvin S. Gale MD and Associates, Cincinnati, OH.
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Henry
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011998:Recreation / Q000523:psychology*; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors
keywords: breast cancer; quality of life; resilience; survivors; therapy; psychological healing