Nature Walks for Breast Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Jessica Capaldi, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Metastatic disease, Active treatment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether spending time in nature can improve the well-being of women who have completed breast cancer treatment. Participants will engage in a 12-week nature-based exercise program to assess its feasibility and benefits. Women who finished breast cancer treatment between three and 21 months ago and can walk independently may qualify. Additionally, a sub-study targets young adults aged 18-39 who have completed any cancer treatment to evaluate the effects of nature-based activities on their well-being. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants with the opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing well-being after cancer treatment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this nature-based exercise program is safe for breast cancer survivors and AYA cancer survivors?

Research has shown that exercising in nature, such as walking outdoors, is generally safe for breast cancer survivors. In past studies, participants reported no serious side effects from these activities. Nature walks have boosted well-being and aided recovery, offering benefits without the risks associated with medication-based treatments.

This type of exercise focuses on enjoying the outdoors and is considered low-risk. Participants often find these activities refreshing and beneficial for mental health. Overall, nature-based exercises are manageable and provide a safe way to improve health after treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about nature-based exercise for breast cancer survivors because it offers a holistic approach that differs from conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Unlike these standard options that focus directly on targeting cancer cells, nature walks aim to improve overall well-being, mental health, and physical fitness. This treatment is unique because it leverages the therapeutic benefits of being in nature to potentially boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life, which are crucial for recovery and long-term health.

What evidence suggests that nature-based exercise might be an effective treatment for breast cancer survivors?

Research shows that exercising outdoors can greatly enhance both physical and mental health for cancer survivors. Studies have found that walking in nature aids emotional recovery, offering benefits beyond traditional treatments. For breast cancer survivors, combining exercise with self-care techniques has been linked to improved quality of life and increased physical activity. Although evidence on sleep improvements remains limited, early signs suggest that exercising in nature might help. Overall, these activities appear promising for boosting health and well-being in cancer survivors. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Arash Asher, M.D.

Principal Investigator

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Celina Shirazipour, PhD

Principal Investigator

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women over 39 who had breast cancer (stages 1-3) and finished treatment at least 3 months ago, can walk without help, and are not currently very active. A sub-study includes men and women aged 18-39 who've had any type of cancer and completed treatment up to 21 months prior.

Inclusion Criteria

I finished my cancer treatment at least 3 months ago.

I have been diagnosed with cancer before.

Same inclusion criteria as the main study

Exclusion Criteria

Known allergy to Fitbit device or otherwise unable to wear Fitbit device.

My cancer has spread to other parts of my body.

I am scheduled for treatment within the next 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week nature-based walking program, with sessions three times a week supervised by certified clinical Exercise Physiologists.

12 weeks

3 sessions per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including surveys, physical assessments, and biomarker collection.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Nature based exercise

Trial Overview The study tests if nature-based exercises benefit those who have survived breast cancer. It involves physical activities in a natural setting. The main study will include up to 20 women with past breast cancer, while the sub-study will enroll up to 20 younger adults with any past cancer diagnosis.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Active Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be asked to complete a 12 week exercise program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

523

Recruited

165,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37328178/

Benefits of nature-based walking for breast cancer survivors This paper presents a protocol for a clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility of a 3-month nature-based walking programme for breast cancer survivors.

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-11660-0

Implementing exercise and self-management for women ... The results of this RCT study suggest that combined exercise and SM has increased benefits for physical activity level, quality of life, health ...

3. systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-025-02834-y

Exploring the health benefits of outdoor exercise for cancer ... Outdoor exercise improves both physical and mental health in cancer survivors. There is a limited evidence for outdoor exercise effects on sleep ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462388925002182

The Effects of Nature Walk Therapy on Post-Traumatic ... Nature walk therapy significantly enhances post-traumatic growth (PTG). · Nature walk therapy led to greater improvements in PTG than standard ...

5. bmjopen.bmj.com bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/6/e071041.abstract

Benefits of nature-based walking for breast cancer survivors This paper presents a protocol for a clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility of a 3-month nature-based walking programme for breast cancer survivors.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10277127/

Benefits of nature-based walking for breast cancer survivors This paper presents a protocol for a clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility of a 3-month nature-based walking programme for breast cancer survivors.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4821160/

Community-based exercise program effectiveness and ... For breast cancer, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 93% for DCIS to 49% for stage IIIC; for colon cancer from 74% for stage I to 25% for stage IIIC; and for ...

8. bmjopen.bmj.com bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/6/e071041.reviewer-comments

Benefits of nature-based walking for breast cancer survivors same nature reserve as the walks took place. This provides a means for obtaining more meaningful interview data, as the benefits of talking ...