New Cancer Prehab Service Launching 2nd March 2026

Healthworks, with funding and support from the Northern Cancer Alliance, is pleased to announce the development of a new evidence-based cancer prehabilitation service, designed to support patients from diagnosis through treatment across the North East and North Cumbria.

This marks a significant step forward in improving access to cancer care and reducing health inequalities across the region.

A First for the North East Region

Thisis the first service of its kind delivered by a not-for-profit organisation at this scale, covering the entire North East and North Cumbria.

Cancer prehabilitation is structured support provided between diagnosis and treatment to help patients improve their physical and psychological readiness for treatment.

By operating region-wide, the programme helps:

• Remove geographical barriers to access
• Reduce variation in service provision
• Tackle regional health inequalities

Building on a successful pilot with Newcastle Hospitals, the programme will provide targeted exercise and wellbeing support across all tumour groups, with the ambition of establishing a universal and targeted NHS prehabilitation offer for the region.

Aligning with the National Cancer Plan

The service is closely aligned with national policy direction, including the UK National Cancer Plan’s ambition to roll out a national digital-first prehabilitation offer from 2028.

By embedding virtual delivery at scale from launch, this programme:

• Supports early system readiness
• Creates a scalable regional model
• Helps inform future national implementation

How the Cancer Prehabilitation Service Will Be Delivered

Virtual Cancer Prehabilitation Across the North East and North Cumbria

Patients across the region will be able to access:

• Structured online exercise classes
• Personalised exercise guidance
• Signposting to wider health and wellbeing support

This approach improves access for patients in rural and underserved communities.

Face-to-Face Delivery in Newcastle, Gateshead, and Sunderland

Alongside virtual delivery, local in-person support to complement the virtual offer where appropriate.

Programme Aims and Outcomes

We are launching the service on 2 March 2026.

The regional cancer prehabilitation programme aims to:

• Improve patients’ physical readiness and confidence ahead of treatment
• Enhance treatment outcomes
• Reduce hospital cancellations and delays
• Widen equitable access to prehabilitation support

By strengthening patients before treatment begins, the service supports both individual outcomes and wider NHS system resilience.

Supporting Regional Cancer Priorities

This service supports regional cancer priorities while contributing to the future development of a national cancer prehabilitation model.

Through partnership working, digital innovation, and equitable access, Healthworks and the Northern Cancer Alliance are helping to shape the future of cancer care across the North East and North Cumbria.

Find Out More

For further information or to discuss local delivery arrangements, please contact your local clinical team lead.