Date of Award

6-2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

M. Abbey Glenn OTD, OTR/L, BCG, ECHM

Abstract

Persevering through cancer treatment is an uphill battle, but continuing survivorship for the rest of their lives becomes the biggest challenge for cancer survivors. Concerns in survivorship include side effects from cancer treatment, fear of recurrence, and returning to previous roles and routines. Additionally, survivors must maintain their health and well-being through exercise and nutrition. Occupational therapists possess the necessary skill set to create programming for cancer survivors that is relevant and realistic. They can take side effects from treatment into consideration and offer personalization of goals and maintenance strategies. Furthermore, occupational therapists can offer simple alternatives to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and use relevant theoretical frameworks that ensure success in the engagement of healthy habits. Healthy Living After Cancer was a community-based program created for participants at Cancer Support Community of Arizona to learn about exercise and nutrition and engage in physical activity through group walking. Participants completed quantitative surveys to measure exercise and nutrition self-efficacy and habits. Qualitative data was also collected through follow-up phone calls. Consolidating both types of data showed that the program was successful in facilitating and maintaining exercise and nutrition behaviors over a short term. Future research should persist to enhance community programming, improve implementation of programs in the community setting, and increase programming options for a diverse participant population.

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