Ecotherapy such as indoor gardening creates positivity in cancer patients

Low impact and cost effective ecotherapy activities, such as indoor gardening, can help instil feelings of positivity and control in cancer patients, according to research.

The benefits of being outdoors among nature are well documented, however people undergoing treatment for cancer or recovering from surgery are not always able to take part in active outdoor activities. The study by University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) academics was carried out to find out whether these known benefits of nature-based activities could be replicated indoors and at a low cost.

During the study, seven women with a breast cancer diagnosis were encouraged to cultivate and care for their own indoor garden bowl for a period of three months. They were also asked to record their daily experience of nurturing the bowl in a diary and to capture significant moments in photographs.

The study helped them to reflect on their cancer journey through the changes in the garden bowl and looking after the bowl helped to create positive feelings of hope, pride and responsibility. A number of participants also personalised their bowls with mementoes of personal significance that produced positive memories.

Dr Ceri Phelps, co-author of the paper and head of psychology at UWTSD, said: “The take-home message from this unique study is that firstly, psychosocial interventions do not have to be complex, labour-intensive to deliver or costly; and secondly that we need to recognise the importance of providing psychosocial support to those affected by cancer at all stages of their cancer journey – often way beyond diagnosis and initial survivorship. We would like to thank all of the women who kindly agreed to take part in this study.”

The study was funded by the cancer charity Tenovus Cancer Care and was supported by Swansea-based horticulturalist Julie Bowen from Gower Tree, Shrub and Plant Centre.

The findings have been published in an online paper which can be accessed via: http://ecancer.org/journal/9/full/602-sowing-the-seeds-or-failing-to-blossom-a-feasibility-study-of-a-simple-ecotherapy-based-intervention-in-women-affected-by-breast-cancer.php