A quarter of cancer patients say nothing could have prepared them for the period between diagnosis and treatment, according to research. A poll of 500 adults who had been diagnosed with cancer in the past five years said they felt anxious (46%), uncertain (40%) and lost (23%). It was reported that the average wait between diagnosis and treatment was three-weeks, and during that time, 92% didn’t feel they were in control of their life. While others didn’t feel in charge of their mood, routine and decision making.
The research was commissioned by Abbott, which has launched “The Prehabilitation Method” – a book aiming to guide people diagnosed with cancer on how to spend the time effectively to better prepare for treatment. Prehabilitation means getting ready for cancer treatment in whatever time you have before it starts, and focuses on nutrition, exercise and mental health. More than half (56%) of respondents hadn’t heard of the term before taking the survey.
Imogen Watson, a registered dietitian and head of UK medical and scientific affairs at the healthcare company said: “It’s no surprise that when initially diagnosed with cancer people are anxious, worried and confused. There are no rules on what to do next and often people can feel alone.”
“It’s easy to panic and not know what to do next,” she added, “but the time spent between diagnosis and treatment can massively help prepare for what is to come, both mentally and physically.
“We hope to raise awareness of the concept of prehabilitation as it’s a shame people feel lost and worried during that time, which is why we’ve worked alongside experienced professionals to provide a guide.”
The study also found among the things people did during those few weeks were watch TV, research into upcoming treatment and go for walks. Others saw friends and took time off work, with 50% claiming they actively focused on their mental health.
When it came to food, 26% ate what they wanted when they wanted, but almost a quarter (23%) didn’t realise how much diet would impact their treatment in the lead up to treatment.
A fifth wished they’d known how to proactively use the time in between diagnosis and treatment, with 32% agreeing they’d do things differently if they were in the same situation again.
Of those polled via OnePoll only 15% were most worried about themselves when it came to coping with their diagnosis, while 39% were more concerned about their loved ones.
Despite this, 50% admitted they largely avoided talking about their cancer with those closest to them, although 27% were cared for by family and friends.
Imogen Watson added: “It’s interesting to hear some would do things differently if they had to go through the prehabilitation period again.
“Through ‘The Prehabilitation Method’, we hope to support those with cancer, as well as their loved ones, with advice and tips on how to prepare for treatment by effectively planning their nutrition, exercise, and psychological outlook.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
