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Healthcare professionals

Partnering with the NHS and healthcare teams to deliver safe, evidence-based recovery and wellbeing programmes.

Partnership with purpose

Cancer United works in partnership with healthcare professionals across primary, secondary, and community care to complement NHS clinical services through safe, accessible, and evidence-based programmes. Our focus is on improving cancer recovery, prevention, and long-term wellbeing from the point of diagnosis onwards.

By integrating prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and ongoing community support, we help patients prepare for treatment, recover more effectively, and sustain better physical and mental health outcomes. Our services align with NHS England’s ‘Personalised Care and Living With and Beyond Cancer’ frameworks, providing a structured, non-clinical pathway that supports people to self-manage their recovery and live well after treatment.

Through this partnership approach, Cancer United helps reduce hospital readmissions, helps enhance survivorship outcomes, whilst supporting the creation of more sustainable, community-based models of cancer care.

Why our services matter to clinicians

Cancer United provides a trusted extension of NHS cancer care, delivering evidence-based, community programmes that promote recovery, wellbeing, and independence from diagnosis onwards. Our approach aligns with NHS England’s focus on personalised, holistic care and long-term survivorship.

Holistic recovery and wellbeing

We support the whole person — physically, mentally, and socially. Our tailored exercise, music and singing, and peer-support programmes help patients rebuild strength, confidence, and connection, complementing clinical treatment and improving quality of life.

Reducing demand on NHS services

Through prehabilitation and rehabilitation, we help prevent deconditioning, speed up recovery, and reduce post-treatment complications. Patients become fitter, more resilient and confident in managing their health, lowering reliance on acute and primary care.

Continuity of care after treatment

Once hospital-based care ends, Cancer United provides ongoing, structured community support that encourages long-term healthy habits and sustainable recovery. With QOF funding for GP-led Cancer Care Reviews no longer available, we now work with primary care to deliver these vital reviews — ensuring every patient receives timely, compassionate follow-up and continued support throughout their recovery journey.

Clinically safe, specialist-led programmes

Clinicians can refer with confidence knowing all CUFITTER™® sessions are delivered by Cancer Exercise Specialists, trained to national cancer exercise safety standards. We maintain open communication with referring professionals to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Clinically safe, specialist-led programmes

Clinicians can refer with confidence knowing all CUFITTER™® sessions are delivered by Cancer Exercise Specialists, trained to national cancer exercise safety standards. We maintain open communication with referring professionals to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Interested in more research about the benefits of our work?

Everything we do is grounded in evidence, safety, and measurable results. Our programmes are designed to complement NHS clinical care, reduce pressure on health services, and improve recovery outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer.

Read our research

Referral Pathways and Eligibility

We welcome referrals from healthcare professionals across primary, secondary, and community care. Our goal is to ensure that every person affected by cancer has access to safe, effective, and supportive programmes that complement clinical treatment and promote long-term recovery and survivorship.

Who Can Refer

Referrals can be made by:

  • Consultants, surgeons, and oncology teams
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
  • GPs and practice nurses
  • Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and anaesthetists
  • Other allied health professionals involved in cancer care

Eligibility

Cancer United accepts all cancer types and supports individuals at every stage of their journey

  • Prehabilitation: before surgery/treatment to build strength fitness and resilience
  • During treatment: to maintain function, manage fatigue, and support mental health
  • Post-treatment: to rebuild strength, confidence, and long-term wellbeing

All new members undergo a health screening and personalised assessment before starting a programme.

Our programmes

Our programmes are designed to support people from diagnosis onwards - improving physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection through safe, evidence-based, and inclusive activities.

CUFITTER™® – cancer-specific exercise

Our pioneering CUFITTER™® programme helps members through every stage of their cancer journey.

  • Prehabilitation: prepares patients for treatment, improving physical fitness, recovery, and mental readiness
  • Rehabilitation: restores strength, balance, and independence during and after treatment

Survivorship: supports long-term health, helping members stay active, connected, and in control of their wellbeing.
All sessions are led by a Cancer Exercise Specialist and are delivered both in person in Angmering and online.

Find out more

OUTSINGCANCER – healing through the joy of singing

Our uplifting choir promotes confidence, friendship, and joy through singing together. It enhances breathing, posture, and mood — creating music that heals both body and mind.

Find out more

Support groups – connection and belonging

Peer-led groups bring members together to share, laugh, and support one another.
This includes CU LIFE BALANCE, a dedicated space for younger adults and new parents navigating cancer alongside everyday life. Together, these programmes form a complete pathway to physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Find out more

Stronger together in cancer recovery.

Partner with Cancer United to give your patients access to trusted, community-based exercise, support, and wellbeing programmes.

Refer a patient