Preparing your Mind, Body & Spirit for Cancer Treatment
What is Prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation (sometimes called prehab) is about preparing your body and mind for cancer treatment. Making some changes before you start any treatment can help you to feel stronger during treatment, support your recovery, and improve your overall wellbeing.
Prehabilitation usually focuses on three key areas:
→ Physical activity – improving your fitness and building strength
→ Nutrition – eating well to support your body
→ Emotional wellbeing – managing stress and supporting your mental health
We offer a range of complementary therapies and support services that can help in all three areas – from gentle exercise groups and relaxation therapies to nutrition guidance and emotional support.
It’s best to start prehabilitation as soon as you can after diagnosis. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, please do get in touch with us.
We’re here for you whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or adjusting to life after cancer. We’re also here for you if you are a caregiver for a loved one living with cancer.
Everything we do is built around our Four Pillars of Support: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Community. These pillars reflect the holistic approach we take in supporting anyone affected by cancer.
You don’t have to face this alone.
Prehabilitation & Fatigue
One of the most common side effects of cancer treatment is fatigue – a deep, lasting tiredness that rest alone doesn’t always fix.
Prehabilitation can help you to build stamina and boost your energy before starting treatment.
We offer:
- Exercise groups -Exercise doesn’t have to be intense – it could be a short, peaceful walk in the park or a gentle yoga session. If you’d like some company, why not join our walking group on Mondays in Sutton Park or try yoga at the Centre on Tuesdays?
- Reflexology – this calming therapy can help reduce stress, improve relaxation, and support better sleep, all of which help with fatigue.
Simple steps that you can take at home:
- Short, peaceful walks or gentle stretching.
- Creating regular sleep routines to recharge your body.
Prehabilitation & Mental Health
A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It’s completely normal for it to affect your mental health and leave you feeling anxious or low.
Looking after your mind before you start treatment will help you to feel more relaxed – and give you the tools to manage any times when it all feels too much.
We offer:
- Talking Therapies and Counselling – to empower you to help yourself by giving you the tools you need to move forward. We have a few different techniques that we use, dependent on how the client is feeling. Not everyone wants to talk to their family or friends, often for fear of burdening them or adding to their distress but having someone to talk to can be really beneficial.
- Aromatherapy – Many clients find aromatherapy reduces anxiety and stress, helping them feel calmer, more positive and better able to cope. Oils such as Sweet Marjoram, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, and Ylang Ylang are worth trying.
Simple steps that you can take at home:
- Using aromatherapy products like candles or bath oils
- Simple breathing or relaxation techniques.
Prehabilitation & Nausea or Loss of Appetite
Cancer treatment can cause nausea or reduce your appetite – at a time when your body most needs good nutrition.
We offer:
- Tailored nutrition advice -our qualified nutritionist, Meg, can offer 121 advice. Meg can advise on the best ways for you to improve your nutrition and overall diet, whatever stage of your cancer journey you are at.
- Reflexology – is incredibly versatile and can help with a range of issues, including nausea and lack of appetite. Plus, it’s a lovely relaxing treatment in itself, which is more than worthwhile.
Simple steps that you can take at home:
- Keeping gentle foods (such as crackers or porridge oats) on hand.
- Stocking up on nourishing options like soups and smoothies.
- Trying ginger or peppermint tea, biscuits, or mints to ease queasiness.
- Practicing simple relaxation or breathing exercises.
- Speaking with your doctor about anti-sickness medication.
Prehabilitation & Muscle Weakness
Cancer treatment can leave you with muscle weakness, making everyday activities harder. Building and maintaining strength before treatment is important.
We offer:
- Exercise groups – our walking and yoga groups are a gentle way to build muscle and stamina before treatment starts. The groups are specifically for people who have been affected by cancer.
- Massage – can help with circulation, reduce muscle tension, and help you to relax – which can ease some of the effects of muscle weakness.
Simple steps that you can take at home:
- Keep as active as you can – even gentle stretches can help.
- Eat healthily and keep yourself hydrated; this will give your muscles the fuel they need.
Prehabilitation & Insomnia
Quality sleep will help you to cope with treatment and support your recovery, so it’s worth doing what you can to improve your sleep.
We offer:
- Reiki – an ancient hands-on healing method that uses the energy that surrounds each of us to promote healing and boost our emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Reiki promotes relaxation, reduces stress and can support more peaceful sleep.
- Aromatherapy – the controlled use of essential oils can maintain and/or improve the health of your mind, body and spirit. Massage is the most effective way of receiving the oils. The relaxing massage and the scent of the oils can help you to sleep better.
Simple steps that you can take at home:
- Creating a calming bedtime routine – reading, gentle stretches, or soothing music.
- Limiting screen time before bed.
- Making your sleep environment cool, quiet, and dark.
Prehabilitation & Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is another common side effect of cancer treatment. It can make you feel heavy, uncomfortable, and sometimes even in pain. Supporting circulation before treatment can help ease swelling and improve mobility.
We offer:
- Tripudio – this gentle movement class supports lymphatic flow and circulation, helping to reduce swelling and improve mobility.
- Reflexology – helps with relaxation, reduces stress, and can improve circulation.
Simple steps that you can take at home:
- Keep your feet raised when resting, to help reduce swelling.
- Gentle walking or movement can encourage fluid to move more freely.
- Drink water regularly, as staying hydrated can help balance fluid levels in the body.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Prehabilitation is about more than preparing your body, it’s about supporting your mind, emotions, and overall wellbeing as you approach treatment.
We can’t make the challenges of cancer go away, but we can help, and we are here for you.
You don’t have to face this alone.
“Knowing with confidence you are being well looked after, is very special.”
Please be our Friend
It’s easy to become a CSC Friend, and with a donation from as little as £1.25 a week you can make a big difference. Regular donations are vital to our future and to thank you for signing up we will give you a special friends of the Cancer Support Centre pin badge.
You will be helping to provide a supportive therapeutic treatment programme for someone who really needs it .