More people with cancer will be able to access expert support to help them get ready for treatment as a new programme is launched at Maggie’s Northampton.

Prehabilitation, known as Getting Ready across Maggie’s, is designed to help people prepare for treatment by building healthy lifestyle habits and improving people’s emotional health, nutrition, and physical activity levels.

Developed alongside staff from Northampton General Hospital, Getting Ready is a five-week programme now being offered at Maggie’s in Northampton, aiming to reduce anxiety around hospital visits, improve understanding of treatment and help people manage the stress and the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.

Research has shown that implementing healthier habits in the weeks leading up to starting treatment can see benefits including reduced length of stay in hospital and fewer post-treatment complications.

Supporting people to lead healthier lives overall can also reduce the likelihood of cancer recurring and minimise the chance of people developing other serious health conditions.

Maggie’s has been at the forefront of providing prehab, with the programme well established across Maggie’s centres in Scotland. A successful pilot led to the wider rollout of prehab sessions across the UK, with many centres in England and Wales now offering the life-changing pre-treatment support.

In 2025, a total of 2,389 prehab sessions were delivered across all Maggie’s centres – an increase of over a third (37%) from the year before.

Feedback showed 83% of people felt more confident making changes to their diet and exercise routine after participating in prehab at Maggie’s, and 87% reported improved confidence in managing their emotional wellbeing.

There was also a 53% annual rise in family and friends attending these sessions, and this support from loved ones can make it easier for people with cancer to maintain healthy lifestyle changes.

The National Cancer Plan for England, launched at Maggie’s Royal Free in February, committed to making universal prehab accessible to more people across the country, and the introduction of prehab at Maggie’s Northampton will enable hundreds more people to receive this transformative care.

Wendy Lilley, centre head at Maggie’s Northampton, said: “Being told you have cancer can be one of the hardest conversations you may ever have and figuring out where to turn to for support and guidance before treatment can feel overwhelming.

“This programme, delivered for free in our welcoming centre by our expert staff, gives people clear, practical information and guidance on how to look after themselves, so they can start treatment feeling as strong, calm and supported as possible.”

Liz Summers, lead cancer nurse at Northampton General Hospital, said: “Prehab empowers people diagnosed with cancer to take steps to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing, promoting healthy behaviours which maximise resilience to treatment and improve long-term health.

“The need for a dedicated cancer prehabilitation programme is well documented, with considerable evidence demonstrating the positive impact on clinical outcomes and patient experience. We are delighted to be working with Maggie’s to deliver a universal prehab which is a fundamental aspect of cancer care.”

Getting Ready is delivered at the Maggie’s centre on the grounds of Northampton General Hospital, close to the Billings Road exit. The course is open to anyone starting or preparing for cancer treatment, and all sessions are completely free with no referral needed. Family members and carers are also welcome to attend.

To find out more, visit maggies.org/northampton or drop into the centre.

Maggie’s Northampton, Getting Ready up coming sessions:

September 16 – October 14 (5.30pm – 6.30pm)
September 30 – October 28 (3.30 – 4.30pm)