Embedding prehabilitation in cancer care: From guidelines to delivery

What is prehabilitation, and how could it transform the future of cancer care? In this episode, we explore the newly published Macmillan Prehabilitation for People with Cancer: Clinical and Implementation Guidelines and what they mean for patients, healthcare professionals, and cancer services across the UK. We’re joined by June Davis, Lead Nursing and Allied Health Professional Adviser at Macmillan, and Laura Massouh, Consultant Anaesthetist and Medical Lead for Prehabilitation at Royal Berkshire NHS Trust. Together, they break down what prehabilitation really involves - from physical activity and nutrition to psychological support - and why it’s becoming a vital part of modern cancer pathways. Whether you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or someone interested in cancer care innovation, this episode provides valuable insights into a rapidly growing field. Who this episode is for: 🟢 Health and social care professionals 🟢 People affected by cancer 🟢 Anyone interested in innovations in cancer care Links from the episode: 🔗 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/dfsmedia... 🔗 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthca... 🔗 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthca... 🔗 https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ser... 🔗 https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/p... 🔗 https://cpoc.org.uk/guidelines-and-re... This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objective to work with others to make sure the same treatment and support is accessible to everyone across the UK. Read more about Macmillan's strategy via this link https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us.... 🎧 Learn more about the podcast series https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthca... Chapters 00:00 Introduction to prehabilitation 01:24 Understanding prehabilitation in cancer care 03:36 Defining prehabilitation 05:02 Healthcare professionals in prehabilitation 08:49 Development of new guidelines for prehabilitation 15:25 Addressing inequities in prehabilitation 20:16 The impact of prehabilitation services 27:09 Future of prehabilitation and guidelines 31:00 Advice and insights from experts 34:47 Final reflections and key messages