Tailored Sailing Experience to Reduce Psychological Distress and Improve the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Survey-Based Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Growing evidence indicates that physical/sporting activities may improve the health outcomes and quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors. Since recent reports have suggested that sailing can improve the psychophysical well-being and QoL of people with disabilities, this pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a tailored sailing experience on the QoL and psychological distress (PD) of BC survivors. Methods: A group of 19 breast cancer survivors, who were attending the Cancer Rehabilitation Center in Florence, were invited to participate in a sailing school and completed a survey based on a structured online questionnaire assessing QoL and PD both on departure (baseline) and one week after returning (follow-up). The survey comprised a first part (i.e., sociodemographic characteristics and the practice of physical/sporting activities at baseline; sailing experience satisfaction at follow-up) and a second part (i.e., Short Form-12 (SF-12), State/Trait-Anxiety Inventory form Y (STAI-Y), distress thermometer questionnaires). A paired Student’s t-test was used to compare the baseline versus follow-up QoL and PD scores. Results: A statistically significant improvement in SF-12 mental component scores and a reduction in both STAI-Y state/trait components and distress thermometer scores were found after the sailing experience. Conclusions: We conclude that sailing practice could be a feasible intervention to increase the psychophysical well-being of BC survivors.

Effectiveness of an Adapted Physical Activity Protocol for Upper Extremity Recovery and Quality of Life Improvement in a Case of Seroma after Breast Cancer Treatment

“…Cancer survival improvements during the past few decades have resulted in a large and growing population of long-term BC survivors [ 2 , 15 ]. Hence, it is of primary importance to improve the health-related QoL of this population [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Of note, significant concerns exist regarding chronic upper extremity dysfunction as a long-term complication that can occur after BC treatments [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 13 ].…”

“…Traumatic aspiration may increase the incidence of surgical site infection, clinic visit, and mental stress of patients [8]. While recent research supports that physical activity (PA) interventions can improve physical functioning, treatment-related symptoms, and QoL in cancer survivors [3,5,10,11], the possible effectiveness of PA in cases developing seroma has yet to be demonstrated [12]. Therefore, we herein evaluated for the first time the possible effects of a structured PA pathway for upper extremity recovery and QoL improvement in a case of peri-prosthetic seroma after BC treatment.…”

“All Hands on Deck”: Psychological Characteristics of Women with Experience of Oncological Disease Participating in Sailing Cruise—A Pilot Study

“…The results show a reduction in the level of anxiety and distress and an improvement in the quality of life in the study group. As part of the intervention, in addition to sailing theory and practice, the patients had sessions with a psychologist and a physical exercise specialist [ 22 ]. In Poland, since 2015 (with a break during 2020 because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic), annual sea cruises for cancer patients—Onco-Cruises (Polish: Onko-Rejs)—have been organized by the Onco-Cruise-I Choose Life Foundation.…”

Health effects of outdoor water sports in chronic disease: a scoping review

“…According to the 2007 qualitative study by Sabiston and colleagues in breast cancer survivors [10], experiences as members of dragon boat teams provided "opportunities to (re)gain a sense of personal control, develop new identities as athletes, and overcome physical challenges." Accordingly, evidence from other survey-based qualitative studies and the only available narrative review on the topic revealed significant benefit on psychological distress and quality of life following water sports such as sailing, kayaking and dragon boat in cancer survivors [10][11][12]. The choice of a natural environment such as a blue/green gym may represent an added value and an enjoyable alternative to the conventional forms of indoor exercise.…”