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

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
• exercise
• leisure activities
• neoplasms
• occupational therapy
• occupations
• women
• cancer/oncology

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received funding from Eastern Kentucky University to conduct this research.

Notes on contributors

Anne Fleischer

Anne Fleischer is an associate professor in occupational therapy at University of Cincinnati. She is a cancer survivor researcher, who advocates for person centered care for those who have cancer. Additionally, she is a certified lymphedema specialist.

Casey Humphrey

Casey Humphrey is an assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a certified brain injury specialist and certified driving rehabilitation specialist.