Treatment for cancer

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, you might feel worried and overwhelmed. But there are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health during this time.

Research says that focusing on certain lifestyle changes in whatever time you have before treatment starts can help you cope better with its side effects and improve your long term health. These lifestyle changes are:

eating a varied diet
being physically active
taking care of your mental health

In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

What is prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation means getting ready for cancer treatment in whatever time you have before it starts. It is a programme of support and advice that some NHS hospitals are using.

What should I eat to prepare for cancer treatment?

You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by trying to eat a varied diet. This means eating a wide range of foods in the right proportions.

How can I physically prepare for cancer treatment?

You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by increasing your physical activity. You can improve your fitness in as little as two weeks before the treatment starts.

How do I mentally prepare for cancer treatment?

You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by looking after your mental wellbeing. This might mean reaching out for support if you can’t cope.