Physical activity

Prehabilitation (prehab)

Prehabilitation (or “prehab”) is a personalised programme designed to prepare your body and mind for major treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. By improving your overall health beforehand, prehab can help you recover more quickly, reduce the risk of complications, and shorten your hospital stay.

Prehabilitation is tailored to each individual and focuses on three key areas:

Physical activity: A customised exercise programme helps build strength, improve fitness, and increase endurance. This prepares your body for the physical demands of treatment and supports a smoother recovery.
Nutritional support: Dietetic assessment and guidance ensure you are eating well to maintain strength, manage your weight, and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Good nutrition also helps your body cope better with treatment side effects.
Mental and emotional support: Support such as mindfulness counselling, and anxiety screening helps build resilience, reduce stress, and give you a greater sense of control over your treatment and recovery journey. Contact our Cancer Support Workers for support, guidance and referral to services that can help.

Physical activity refers to any form of movement that engages your muscles. This includes not only structured exercise, but also everyday activities such as walking, household tasks and gardening. Even small amounts of activity can make a meaningful difference, helping to maintain or improve overall fitness, health and well-being.

Staying active before, during and after cancer treatment is both safe and beneficial. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise plan, to ensure it is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances. Contact your Cancer Support Worker for advice and guidance.

As you begin to incorporate activity into your routine, it may quickly become an enjoyable and rewarding part of daily life. Many people notice positive changes early on, such as reduced fatigue and stress, along with increased confidence. Recognising these improvements—and understanding the long-term health benefits—can help maintain motivation, even on more challenging days.

Active Outlook Exercise Programme

The Active Outlook Exercise Programme is a specialised initiative designed to support cancer patients on their journey to recovery and well-being. Through tailored exercise regimes and supportive guidance, participants experience improvements in both physical and emotional health, aiding in their overall quality of life. The Active Outlook is also suitable for prehabilitation. Preparation for Optimal Health (Pre-Health) entails maximising your physical and mental fitness prior to undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. Adequately priming your body and mind enhances your ability to withstand surgery and treatments, facilitating a swifter and more efficient recovery process. Preparation for Optimal Health (Pre-Health) entails maximising your physical and mental fitness prior to undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. Adequately priming your body and mind enhances your ability to withstand surgery and treatments, facilitating a swifter and more efficient recovery process.

Speak to your Cancer Support Worker who can reserve a space for you on the programme.