Oncology · London
Post-cancer prehab & rehab - London
Private, Macmillan-aligned prehabilitation before surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and a full rehabilitation programme afterwards. A consultant-led team of specialist physiotherapists, dietitians and psychologists working alongside your oncologist.
What it is
Oncology prehab and rehab, done properly.
Oncology prehabilitation is the structured optimisation of fitness, nutrition and mood between diagnosis and the start of treatment. It follows the Macmillan and Royal College of Anaesthetists Principles and Guidance for Prehabilitation in People Living with Cancer (2020), and is designed to leave you stronger, better nourished and psychologically prepared for what comes next.
Post-treatment rehabilitation picks up where the acute treatment ends. It addresses chemotherapy-related fatigue, deconditioning, peripheral neuropathy, lymphoedema, cognitive changes, mood and sexual function. Both stages are delivered by the same integrated team, so the plan carries through from before surgery to long after your final chemotherapy cycle.
Why it matters
The benefits of prehab, in plain terms.
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Better peri-operative outcomes
Higher aerobic capacity before surgery reduces cardiopulmonary complications and length of stay, particularly for colorectal, oesophagogastric, HPB, lung and gynaecological resections.
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Faster post-op recovery
Patients who arrive fitter leave hospital sooner and return to normal activity weeks earlier. Evidence is strongest before major abdominal and thoracic surgery.
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Reduced complications
Fewer chest infections, wound problems and unplanned readmissions when nutrition, mood and fitness are optimised before treatment starts.
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Better chemotherapy tolerance
Prehab reduces dose reductions, delays and hospital admissions during systemic therapy. Fatigue and neuropathy are better managed.
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Delayed functional decline
A structured programme protects muscle mass and cardiorespiratory fitness during and after treatment, especially in older adults and those living alone.
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Evidence-based across tumour groups
Prehab and rehab are supported by trials in colorectal, oesophagogastric, HPB, lung, gynaecological and prostate cancer pathways.
Assessment
Baseline assessment, before we prescribe anything.
Every programme begins with a two-hour multidisciplinary assessment: a baseline CPEX (cardiopulmonary exercise test) or six-minute walk test to set safe aerobic targets, a MUST nutritional screen, a HADS mood questionnaire, a sarcopenia assessment, and a careful review of your treatment plan and comorbidities. Where anaemia, diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid function or cardiac medication need attention, we bring in a cardiologist or endocrinologist before the exercise prescription starts.
Prehab interventions
What actually happens in the six to eight weeks.
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Individually prescribed exercise
Aerobic and resistance training two to three times weekly for six to eight weeks pre-op, set from your baseline CPEX and adjusted session by session by a specialist physiotherapist.
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Dietitian-led nutrition
Protein and energy optimisation, oral nutritional supplements where needed, and management of sarcopenia. Immunonutrition considered before major GI surgery.
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Psychology support
Short-course CBT and mindfulness for treatment-related anxiety, low mood and sleep disturbance. Family sessions available.
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Smoking and alcohol cessation
Structured cessation support with pharmacotherapy where indicated. Four weeks of abstinence before surgery meaningfully reduces complications.
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Medical optimisation
Anaemia corrected, diabetes and blood pressure tightened, thyroid and cardiac medication reviewed. Cardiologist or endocrinologist input arranged where needed.
Post-treatment rehab
Rebuilding you after treatment.
Most patients need a combination of the following.
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Energy conservation and pacing
A practical framework for cancer-related fatigue: activity diaries, pacing rules and a graded return to daily tasks.
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Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
Balance retraining, sensory desensitisation, footwear review and pharmacological options for painful neuropathy.
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Cognitive rehabilitation
Structured strategies for chemo brain: attention training, memory aids and workplace accommodations that actually help.
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Lymphoedema therapy
Manual lymphatic drainage, compression garment fitting and self-management education after axillary or pelvic node surgery.
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Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Specialist physiotherapy after robotic prostatectomy or gynaecological surgery to restore continence and support pelvic recovery.
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Sexual health and intimacy
Confidential clinics for erectile function, vaginal health, libido and relationship changes after treatment.
Indicative cost
What a private oncology prehab or rehab programme costs.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Baseline assessment (CPEX or 6MWT, MUST, HADS) | £250–£450 |
| Per exercise session (1:1 supervised) | £120–£220 |
| Structured 6–8 week prehab programme | £1,800–£3,500 |
| 12-week post-treatment rehab programme | £2,400–£4,800 |
Many private insurers now cover oncology rehab under cancer benefits.
Where it is offered
Our London prehab and rehab network.
- Royal Marsden Private Prehab Programme
- University College London Hospital Private Prehab
- HCA Wellington Oncology Rehab
- Cromwell Hospital (BUPA)
- The Christie Private Care
- Fortius Clinic Oncology Rehab
Related
Related treatments and conditions.
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask us most.
What is oncology prehabilitation?
Prehab is a structured programme of exercise, nutrition and psychological support delivered in the weeks between diagnosis and the start of cancer treatment. It follows the Macmillan and Royal College of Anaesthetists Principles and Guidance for Prehabilitation in People Living with Cancer (2020) and aims to leave you fitter, better nourished and more resilient before surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
How long before treatment should prehab start?
Ideally six to eight weeks before surgery, though meaningful gains are possible in as little as two to three weeks. Where treatment is genuinely urgent, we build a shorter, high-intensity programme around your timeline rather than delay care.
Does prehab really change outcomes?
Yes. Trials in colorectal, oesophagogastric, HPB, lung, gynaecological and prostate cancer show fewer post-operative complications, shorter hospital stays and better chemotherapy tolerance in patients who complete a structured programme.
What does post-treatment rehab cover?
A tailored mix of graded exercise, fatigue management, neuropathy support, cognitive rehabilitation, lymphoedema therapy, pelvic floor work and sexual health input, chosen from a menu based on what your treatment and body actually need.
How much does it cost privately?
A baseline assessment is £250 to £450. Individual exercise sessions are £120 to £220. A structured six to eight week prehab programme is £1,800 to £3,500, and a twelve-week post-treatment rehab programme is £2,400 to £4,800. Many UK private insurers now cover cancer rehab under oncology benefits.
Can I do it alongside NHS cancer treatment?
Yes. Prehab and rehab run in parallel with any NHS oncology pathway, and we liaise with your treating team so exercise, nutrition and psychology plans dovetail with surgery dates, chemotherapy cycles and radiotherapy schedules.