A cancer diagnosis means juggling a lot right away: scans, appointments, working out which treatment makes sense. But there's something else worth doing early: preparing your body for what's ahead. That's what cancer prehabilitation, or "prehab," is about. It includes exercise, nutrition, emotional support, or getting other health issues sorted, depending on what you need. It's not about getting in peak shape fast. It's about starting treatment as ready as you can be.
What's involved
Your prehabilitation plan will depend on the type of cancer you have and the treatment you are going to receive. Your cancer care team may suggest one or several of the following:
Exercise: Staying active helps maintain muscle strength, mobility, and stamina. This could mean walking, light aerobic activity, or strength work tailored to what your body can handle.
Nutrition: Cancer and its treatment often affect appetite. A dietitian can help you get enough calories and protein and address issues like weight loss or trouble eating.
Quitting smoking: Stopping before treatment supports recovery and can lower the risk of complications, especially with surgery.
Emotional support: A diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty. Counselling, support groups, or talking to a mental health professional can help you carry that weight.
Managing other health conditions: Doctors may want conditions like diabetes, anaemia, or high blood pressure to be better controlled before treatment begins.
Why is prehabilitation useful?
Treatment takes a toll on the body. Surgery means healing time; chemotherapy and radiotherapy often bring fatigue and changes in strength or appetite. Going in with better nutrition and physical condition can make those demands more manageable, and for those preparing for surgery, prehab may also support a smoother recovery.
That doesn't mean pushing into intense workouts or a strict new diet. If you're already dealing with weakness, pain, or treatment-related symptoms, the plan needs to fit where you actually are.
When to start
Prehabilitation can begin once your treatment plan is clear. Even when there isn't much time, there may still be useful things you can work on. Check with your oncologist or care team before beginning exercise or making drastic changes in diet. Depending on your needs, a physiotherapist, a dietitian, or another specialist might need to get involved.
One step at a time
It may feel like a lot to go through at once. Prehab helps you have a goal in mind to work towards before you start, such as taking short walks, eating healthier, kicking the habit of smoking, getting better sleep, etc., or simply talking with someone about your situation. It's okay if you need to do this with someone else. Inquire with the care team about what is safe for you to begin treatment.