North of Scotland NHS Cancer Services

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be very difficult. You may be feeling shock. You may be very anxious about what lies ahead.

However, there are benefits to being active, eating well and taking care of your mental wellbeing following a cancer diagnosis.

Things like moving more and eating nutritious food can help you improve your health and could increase your options for surgery and chemotherapy. Getting ready in this way can also have benefits if you are receiving supportive treatment while living with cancer.
Doing positive things following diagnosis can also offer you a sense of control over the situation.

Looking after yourself is not selfish. It is doing the best for yourself following your cancer diagnosis.

Activities that are part of getting ready are things like:

• Increased physical movement, no matter how small really helps.
• Eating well.
• Receiving emotional support.
• Getting support and accessing practical advice from local organisations.
• Being referred to local smoking cessation support.
• Taking part in activities which make you feel better about yourself.

This is also known as prehabilitation. These activities should not mean you wait longer for your surgery or for your treatment to begin. However, by making small changes to your habits and choices now, it could help you in the long term. Even the smallest changes can make a difference.