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Home Living with & beyond cancer Preparing for your cancer treatment : Prehabilitation

Preparing for your cancer treatment : Prehabilitation

What is Prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation (prehab) is designed to help you prepare for cancer treatment by improving your physical health, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. Prehab focuses on three key areas:

• Physical activity – Regular exercise to boost fitness and strength
• Nutrition & weight – Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight
• Mental wellbeing – Managing stress and supporting a positive mindset

Getting ready for cancer treatment can feel daunting, but the Prehabilitation Toolkit is here to make things a little easier. This simple, easy‑to‑follow guide helps you take small steps to improve your fitness, nutrition and emotional wellbeing before treatment begins. These changes can help you feel stronger, cope better with treatment and recover more quickly. Created with patients and healthcare professionals across Northern Ireland, the toolkit includes practical tips, short videos and helpful resources you can start using right away. It’s designed to give you confidence, support and a sense of control at a time when you need it most.

 

Benefits of Prehab can be seen in as little as 2 weeks. Prehab;
• Helps you recover faster and may reduce hospital stay
• Can reduce treatment side effects
• Boosts strength, fitness and energy
• Gives you more control over your health and recovery
• Supports mental wellbeing and reduces stress

Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol can further improve your outcomes.

Small steps today can make a big difference to your recovery.

For more advice, speak to your clinical nurse specialist or a member of your healthcare team.

 

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