As stated by S. Bazyk and J. Bazyk (2009) all humans need opportunities to engage in a range of occupations to create balance among physical, mental, social, and relaxation needs. Often times after a cancer diagnosis social engagement declines as a result of fatigue, low energy, decreased appetite, physical limitations, etc. (Lyons et al 2013). This group provides the members the opportunity to engage in productive occupations that are conducive to their physical, mental, emotional, and social well being. As Occupational Therapy Students (OTS) our guiding principles is the act of helping individuals regain control in their daily lives following a traumatic event through engagement in meaningful and purposeful activities therefore by providing opportunities to explore various areas of interest. Through the use of social engagement individuals can gain a sense of control over their lives; also much needed satisfaction in their occupational accomplishments.

Often side affects associated with cancer patients and survivors include a decreased sense of quality of life. This can occur in areas of fatigue, social engagement and decreased participation in activities of daily living. A common sequela associated with cancer treatment and cancer survivors in addition to quality of life changes is fatigue also know as cancer related fatigue (CRF). Fatigue is often a symptom cancer patients and survivors experience. However, research has shown that occupational therapists can take an active role with therapeutic interventions to help manage fatigue with strategies such as exercise. The use of aerobic exercise has shown to improve general physical function of patients in addition to improving overall quality of life (Lattanzi, Biuliano, Sander, Wooten & Zimmerman 2010).

In addition to the use of physical rehabilitation and cancer related fatigue (CRF), an occupational therapists aims to increase quality of life as well as many other areas. These areas include increasing role functioning, cognitive functioning, emotional functioning and social functioning. Improvement in these areas with cancer patients and survivors has been shown positive results through increasing a clients coping skills. Addressing areas of sleep, appetite and fatigue, improvements in areas of social functioning were correlated with the use of strong social supports such as family Occupational therapists have also used intervention methods such as providing nutritional rehabilitation program with cancer patients to provide a holistic approach to treatment. Taking on a broad approach also incorporates areas of energy conservation and strengthening to improve overall function (Wani, Khan, Teeli, Khan, Wani & Hassan, 2012) (Lemoignan, Chasen, Bhargava 2010).

Futhermore strong supports in a clients life can improve other areas and their ability to cope with their health condition. Early detection of cancer can also improve a patients quality of life and allow for early intervention and supports to be put in place. In one study, participants who were diagnosed with cancer in the early stages had a positive outlook on their prognosis and were able to develop better coping strategies as well as social and family supports to help then manage their cancer and the impact of their health condition. Implementing early on supportive interventions played a key role with patients who and had an effect on reported positive prognosis of treatment (Steinglass and Ostroff 2011).