Prehab4Cancer has been supporting people affected by cancer across Greater Manchester for over six years, helping patients prepare for treatment through tailored exercise, nutritional and wellbeing support.

To assess the impact of the programme, NHS Arden & GEM Commissioning Support Unit (AGEM) was commissioned to undertake an independent evaluation of the service. The evaluation examined outcomes for patients referred to Prehab4Cancer between FY2019/20 and FY2024/25, including new long-term survival data, service engagement, clinical outcomes, and economic impact.

The findings demonstrate significant improvements in physical function, nutritional status and quality of life for patients participating in prehabilitation. Importantly, the evaluation also provides evidence of improved one-year survival among colorectal cancer patients who completed prehabilitation, with encouraging early indications of similar benefits within lung and oesophago-gastric cancer cohorts.

To showcase the findings, we will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 3rd September, 12:00–1:00 pm. The webinar will highlight the growing evidence supporting cancer prehabilitation, celebrate the achievements of the Prehab4Cancer programme over the past seven years, and provide an overview of plans for the future. We welcome all colleagues, industry partners, and stakeholders to join us as we share key findings from the evaluation and discuss how Prehab4Cancer will continue to evolve and support more people affected by cancer across Greater Manchester.

Key Evaluation Headlines

  • Over six years of Prehab4Cancer delivery across Greater Manchester.
  • Strong and sustained growth in programme referrals and participation.
  • Significant improvements in physical function, nutritional status and quality of life.
  • Positive behavioural changes maintained at one-year follow-up.
  • Higher one-year survival rates observed among colorectal cancer patients who completed prehabilitation.
  • Early indications of similar survival benefits for lung and oesophago-gastric cancer cohorts.
  • Cost-saving for colorectal cancer surgery patients through reduced hospital length of stay.

Full independent evaluation report below:

Prehab4Cancer Service Evaluation March 2026

 

Prehab4Cancer: Evidence, Innovation and Future Direction Webinar

Thursday 3rd September 12-1pm

Key objectives include:

  • Presenting the latest evaluation findings and programme outcomes.
  • Showcasing the evidence supporting the role of prehabilitation in improving patient outcomes, including long-term survival data.
  • Sharing future plans for programme development through digital innovation and expansion to additional tumour groups.
  • Engaging stakeholders to support the future growth, expansion, sustainability and collaborative delivery of Prehab4Cancer across Greater Manchester

This webinar is intended for Cancer pathway teams across Greater Manchester, including those currently referring into Prehab4Cancer (colorectal, lung and upper GI pathways) and tumour groups being considered for future expansion, such as head and neck, gynaecology, urology and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers.

Follow the link below to register for this event:

Prehab4Cancer: Evidence, Innovation and Future Direction – Greater Manchester Cancer Academy