Prehabilitation: The multidisciplinary team will talk to you about how to prepare yourself for your cancer treatment. This leaflet gives you some information about how the Prehabilitation Service can help you.  Our Prehabilitation service will focus on an exercise plan, eating well, emotional support, lifestyle changes if you smoke tobacco and drink alcohol and help you understand the treatment ahead.

Nutrition: Good nutrition before your surgery is important as you may have some difficulties with eating after the surgery. Your dietician can give you tailor-made advice on eating well before surgery.

Emotional wellbeing: There are lots of different reactions to a cancer diagnosis. Talking to someone about how you feel can help. There is help available if you feel you need to talk to someone outside your family and friend support network. Please talk to the multidisciplinary team who can advise and support you.

Understanding head and neck treatment: It is important for you to understand your head and neck cancer and what the treatment involves, so you and the multidisciplinary team can make decisions together about what is best for you. Often it is helpful to involve your family in these conversations and decisions. You should write down questions as they come to you so that you can discuss them with your team.  

Stopping smoking: It is very important that you stop smoking before you begin your treatment. This video provides advice to help you stop smoking. You can also get a referral to the smoking cessation team if you feel you need further help.

Alcohol intake: When you are preparing for surgery it is important to reduce your alcohol intake to ensure you give your body the best chance of recovery. You will find some helpful advice below and you can also talk to your multidisciplinary team if you feel you need more help.