Published on: 17 June 2024
Help to get cancer patients fit for their future treatment has been lined up as part of an approach proven to speed up recovery and cut complications.
Prehabilitation – known as prehab - is being rolled out by the NHS to help boost the physical and mental health of those who have been given a diagnosis as they prepare for their surgery or drug therapy.
It covers exercise, the importance of a balanced diet and how they can look after their emotional wellbeing. It also aims to help them to stop smoking and cut down on alcohol, which can help prevent further cancers developing and improve their overall health.
Research has shown prehab can help avoid complications after surgery, such as chest infections or blood clots. It also helps them head home from hospital sooner after their operation and improve their long-term strength beyond their treatment.
It can also mean fewer side effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The prehab project has been added to South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Cancer Information Hub, which offers advice on screening, different types of cancer, tests and scans, patient stories and signposts to other organisations which can offer support.
The Trust is looking to launch a pilot with a group this summer, offering them expert help to create a programme tailored for their needs.
Kelly Craggs is its Macmillan Cancer Lead Nurse.
She said:
"Cancer treatment puts stress on the body, but we know it will cope better if a person is fit and living as healthily as they can.
"We know when Kate, the Princess of Wales, confirmed she was undergoing treatment that she said she was well and getting stronger, and this is exactly what this is about, living well and keeping your strength up."
Lisa Green, pictured, is the Trust’s Personalised Care Manager for Prehabilitation and is a physiotherapist.
She added:
"We know receiving a diagnosis can be a really tough time for the patient and their loved ones and it can be very easy to turn to comfort food, cigarettes and a drink when life is a struggle.
"It is really important to use that time in between getting that difficult news and your treatment starting to get ready for what lies ahead.
"When we look after ourselves, we feel better all round and are more mentally prepared for what is to come.
"Even if there are a few short days or weeks before people go in for an operation or start their drug therapy or both, it all counts.
"We also encourage people to get their friends and family on board if they want to do this together and we know some people really value time alone to come to terms with their diagnosis too. It’s about whatever is right for you.
"We’ve added all the information which can help to our Cancer Information Hub and that is packed with details, videos which take people through the journey patients will follow, how they can seek support and so much more.
"It’s there to help people at the time which is right for them and their family because we know how overwhelming it can be for everyone."
While there are NHS guidelines for physical activity, the prehab programme assesses the person and makes recommendations based on their individual needs.
They may also be given specific exercises they can do to help them become stronger.
Prehab also sets out how cutting down and quitting smoking can have a positive impact on a patient’s health and signposts to the support available.
For more information, visit the Cancer Information Hub page.
