Simply spending time in nature shows benefits both for body terrain factors linked to cancer and for reducing cancer risk. It may also help with symptoms common among people with cancer.
How do experts recommend time in nature?
Medical experts provide recommendations for time in nature in treating people with cancer. Learn more about the approaches and meanings of recommendations: Integrative Oncology Programs and Expert Guidelines ›
Published protocols, programs, and approaches
Time in nature is recommended by these integrative oncologists, drawing from both scientific research and observations.
Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, and Alison Jefferies, MEd
Cohen L, Jefferies A. Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six. New York: Viking. 2018.
This book introduces the concept of the Mix of Six, which is identical to six of our 7 Healing Practices ›
Dr. Cohen and Ms. Jefferies explain that while each plays an independent role, the synergy created by all six factors can radically transform health, delay or prevent many cancers, support conventional treatments, and significantly improve quality of life.
Other expert assessments
International e-Delphi survey
A Delphi panel of healthcare practitioners, managers, designers, architects, and researchers created recommendations for integrating nature into cancer care settings, drawing both from previous research of patient preferences and their own experience.1Blaschke S, O’Callaghan CC, Schofield P. Nature-based care opportunities and barriers in oncology contexts: a modified international e-Delphi survey. BMJ Open. 2017 Oct 16;7(10):e017456.
The top-ranked recommendations:
- Window views from clinical areas onto natural settings and daylight, while minimizing glare and preserving privacy
- Accessible outdoor settings, gardens and courtyards for patients, carers, and staff
- Nature-based physical exercise adapted to patient requirements
- Appropriate safety measures and surface materials for limited mobility
- Educate healthcare teams, management, patients, designers, and policy and decision makers about value, benefits, and appropriate implementation of nature-based opportunities
References