‘One-thousand miles and counting’: reflections on the trail to recovery

Abstract

ABSTRACT While some studies have explored the effectiveness of self-directed participation in online support groups for survivors of cancer after treatment, there is a dearth of focus on participation in nontraditional support groups for extended periods of time, whether the individuals have ongoing treatment, metastatic cancer, or show no evidence of disease. This study is the second instalment of a longitudinal investigation into the benefits of a hiking programme for cancer survivors, four years after the original investigation. The purpose of the study is to determine whether participation in the hiking program contributes to members’ subjective sense of wellbeing and quality of life over the course of time.