Preparing for Cancer Treatment
Taking care of your health before and during cancer treatment can help you feel stronger, cope with treatment and support your recovery. This is called prehabilitation.
Watch VideoTo have been listed for your treatment you will have been seen by a surgeon or oncologist and may have been asked to participate in some form of pre-assessment. This pre-assessment can range from a simple questionnaire, to being asked to take an exercise test with a consultant anaesthetist.
In all of these interactions, we are trying to identify if there is anything we can do to improve the management of your existing medical problems and if we need to alter your medication around the time of the procedure. We are also trying to estimate the risk associated with the procedure and plan your journey through the hospital.
However, there is a limit to what we can do to improve your health. A large amount of your health can only be controlled by you and it is never too late to improve it.
Why might we ask you some health and wellbeing questions?
Your cancer team may ask about your weight and appetite, emotional wellbeing, usual activity and independence, smoking and alcohol use. Your answers help us understand whether extra information or support could help you prepare for treatment.