Preparing for Cancer Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to prepare for any potential treatment ahead of time. Evidence shows that paying attention to your nutrition, activity levels and wellbeing has many important benefits.
The better you feel before any treatment starts, the easier your journey will be, and your recovery after treatment will be quicker too.
Click on the buttons below for more advice on what this involves.
Increasing your activity levels
An introduction to physical activity with different levels of exercise.
Building your energy levels
Understand cancer-related fatigue and how to build energy levels
Improving your diet
Why good nutrition is important in preparing for treatment
Cancer may have already affected your appetite or the things you are able to do on a day-to-day basis. Cancer treatment can also be a challenge for you physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. There are lots of things you can do to manage the changes you may be experiencing or the way you feel. This will enable you to take control and continue doing the activities that are important to you.
Evidence has shown that preparing for treatment through physical activity, good nutrition and looking after your emotional wellbeing can:
- Reduce complications and side effects that are associated with cancer treatment to help speed up recovery.
- Enable you to do the things that matter to you.
- Work towards a more active lifestyle
- Help you to feel more resilient and confident
- Improve your mood and help manage anxiety and stress
- Improve nutrition and make sure you have enough ‘fuel’ for the treatment ahead
What does Prehabilitation involve?
Prehabilitation is an opportunity for you to focus on your health and wellbeing. It is a chance to get stronger and fitter as you prepare for your treatment. It is also a chance to take some time-out to focus on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Doing this will help you to manage the side effects that you may be experiencing, such as fatigue, reduced appetite, stress, worry or pain.
You can find more information to support you to take these steps on our webpages. Simply select the section(s) above that interest you to visit the dedicated webpages to learn more.
Also in this section
Further support and help:
The advice on these pages is designed to help you prepare for the treatment ahead and support you through to recovery. If you are awaiting surgery, you may like to read:
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic pages and their information on getting fitter for surgery.
- Our booklet ‘Prehabilitation: Preparing for Your Treatment Get Fitter, Stronger and Ready’.
If you need further advice and support please discuss this with your key worker or healthcare professional.
- Macmillan Cancer Support:
0808 808 00 00 - Maggie’s Cardiff:
029 2240 8024 - Tenovus Cancer Care:
0808 808 1010
