Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, you might feel worried and overwhelmed. But there are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health during this time.

Research says that focusing on certain lifestyle changes in whatever time you have before treatment starts can help you cope better with its side effects and improve your long term health.

In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

What is prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation (prehab) means getting ready for cancer treatment in whatever time you have before it starts.

What should I eat to prepare for cancer treatment?

You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by trying to eat a wide range of foods in the right proportions, also called a varied diet.

How do I physically prepare for cancer treatment?

You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by being physically active.

How do I mentally prepare for cancer treatment?

You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by looking after your mental wellbeing.

Recovery package for cancer

The recovery package is a set of interventions that your medical team uses to help improve your experience of living with cancer.

Last reviewed: 
01 Jul 2021
Next review due: 
01 Jul 2024
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