Prehabilitation and rehabilitation

Prehabilitation and rehabilitation support people to be as well as possible before, during, and after cancer treatment.

This may include physical, emotional, and practical support to help people cope with treatment, recover more effectively, and improve quality of life.

Support is tailored to individual needs and may change over time.

What is prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation focuses on preparing people for cancer treatment.

This may include:

• Improving physical strength and fitness
• Supporting nutrition and hydration
• Managing anxiety and emotional wellbeing

Starting support early can help people tolerate treatment better and recover more quickly.

What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation supports recovery during and after cancer treatment.

This may include:

• Managing side effects
• Rebuilding strength and stamina
• Supporting emotional wellbeing
• Returning to everyday activities

Rehabilitation is not one-size-fits-all. Support should reflect what matters most to each person.

Finding support

Prehabilitation and rehabilitation support may be available through hospital teams, community services, and partner organisations. Speak to your healthcare team about what support is available locally.

View the Cancer Care map which has cancer support services near you: Cancer Care Map

Explore this section

This section includes information on:

• Sleeping better
• Eating well
• Understanding treatment
• Managing side effects
• Managing fatigue