Physical Activity and Relaxation

Data Protection

We keep a list of your details to enable us to contact you regarding waiting lists and availability, also to inform you of any changes to your bookings, If you have any questions relating to this then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Physical activity can help at all stages of the cancer pathway and we want to support you to remain, or become more physically active in a safe and appropriate way. We have information about physical activity and exercise classes that will suit a wide range of people. Take a look below at all the ways the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre is helping you to keep active safely.

What is classed as physical activity?

Being physically active can mean doing normal daily activities. This might include housework, gardening, walking to the shops or taking the stairs instead of using the lift. But for the more active individual they may include yoga, dancing, jogging, cycling or even gardening.

What type of physical activity is right for you will depend on your base level of fitness and what kind of activities you enjoyed taking part in before your cancer treatment or surgery.

Taking regular exercise and physical activity pre, post and during cancer has been shown to improve emotional wellbeing and can help reduce some of the side effects experienced with treatments. More importantly, regular physical activity is known to play a significant role in helping reduce the risk of cancer recurring, thus extending life expectancy if remission has been confirmed.

Below are some websites with more information regarding physical activity and the benefits for Cancer patients.

Macmillan booklets:

• Physical Activity and Cancer

• Eating Well & Keeping Active

National Cancer Institute

Cancer Research UK

Cancernet UK is an online resource for individuals living with or after cancer, providing effective, unbiased, evidence based guidance from professionals on self-help and lifestyle strategies; including diet, wellbeing, reducing adverse effects, lowering the risk of recurrence and improving long term survival. Cancernet is an independent organisation comprising a multidisciplinary group of health professionals and cancer survivors. Click here to access the Cancernet webpage specifically about exercise and cancer.

Feeling stressed, anxious or in pain?

Cancer and its treatments are often very stressful for both patients and their families/carers. Simple breathing and relaxation classes have been found to reduce stress and anxiety, helping you cope with pain and reducing muscle tension. Most people will find benefits in some type of relaxation technique; the three most common techniques are breathing exercises, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, and they can be used in combination for maximum effect.

We have information below on the relaxation classes that will be available at the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre.