Living well: Mental wellbeing

Taking care of your mental wellbeing is an important component of prehab. Looking after your mental health can help you take some control of your journey with cancer. Find out more about different types of support available in this video.

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Summary of key points

1

It is normal to have a range of emotions when you are told you have cancer, such as fear, numbness, anger and sadness. If you had struggled with your mental health before cancer, you may need to take some early steps to protect your mental health.

2

If you ever feel you’re at breaking point, seek help immediately by calling NHS 111, contacting your GP for an urgent appointment, or calling an urgent mental health helpline, such as Samaritans.

3

If you ever feel you might attempt suicide or seriously harm yourself, you need urgent medical help and should call 999 for an ambulance, go straight to A&E, or call your local crisis team.

4

Focusing on your mental wellbeing before starting treatment can help you feel prepared and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It’s ok to ask for help and support at any time, however you may be feeling – don’t feel you have to wait until you’re struggling, or until you’re offered support.

Living well: Physical activity and exercise

Physical activity and exercise are an important component of prehab. Staying active can help you take some control of your journey with cancer. In most people with cancer, any extra activity above what you currently do, including housework, gardening and walking to the shop, is a good thing. Find out more in this video.

Living well: Eating well

Healthy eating is an important component of prehab. You have the power to take some control of your journey with cancer by eating well before, during and after treatment. Find out how small changes to what you eat can make a big difference to how you feel over time in this video.

What is Prehabilitation?

Starting treatment for cancer can be daunting, and you may feel you have little control. But there are things you can do before you start therapy, such as making small changes to your everyday life to look after your health and get ready for cancer treatment. This is called prehabilitation, or prehab. Find out more in this video.

Living well: Alcohol Moderation

Drinking alcohol in moderation is an important component of prehab. If you have cancer, it’s best to avoid alcohol as much as possible, and it can help you take some control over your health. Cutting down on alcohol can also help you get in the best possible shape as you prepare for cancer treatment. Find out more in this video.

Living well: Stopping Smoking

Stopping smoking is an important component in prehabilitation. If you have cancer, it’s best to try and give up smoking. Taking steps such as cutting down or giving up smoking can help you take some control over your health. Find out more in this video.

This patient video has been organised and fully funded by Bristol Myers Squibb under a collaborative initiative with Macmillan Cancer Support, whose advice in helping to develop the content of this video including engagement with people with lived experience of cancer is hereby acknowledged.

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