Refer a patient

Cancer United works in partnership with NHS professionals to ensure every patient has access to safe and effective cancer-specific exercise support. Our clinician referral pathway provides a seamless transition from treatment to community care — helping you give your patients the recovery and quality-of-life outcomes they deserve.

Who can refer

Referrals are welcomed from:

• Oncology or surgical consultants
• Cancer Nurse Specialists (CNS) and chemotherapy or radiotherapy nurses
• GPs and practice-based cancer care coordinators
• Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or anaesthetists involved in prehabilitation
• Allied Health Professionals supporting cancer recovery

How to refer

Step 1: Complete the CUFITTER™ clinical referral form including:

• Patient’s cancer type and treatment stage (pre-treatment, under treatment, or post-treatment)
• Relevant medical history, medications, and comorbidities
• Current physical limitations (e.g., bone metastases, lymphoedema, recent surgery)
• Clearance or restrictions for moderate physical activity

Step 2: Send via encrypted email or NHS-secure network.

Step 3: Cancer United will confirm receipt and contact the patient directly to:

• Arrange a 30–40-minute initial consultation (Zoom or in-person)
• Review the medical and wellbeing forms already adapted for self-referrals
• Conduct baseline functional and wellbeing screening (aligned with NHS PROMs indicators)

Patient review and class placement process

After assessment, the Cancer Exercise Specialist:

• Recommends a suitable programme, e.g. CUSEATED, FIT & BUST, PROSKICK or CUFITTER™XTRA (online)
• Advises on adaptations for treatment side effects (fatigue, stoma, neuropathy, PICC line, etc.)
• Keeps confidential clinical notes and progress metrics available on request

Communication back to referrers

To maintain continuity of care:

• If required by the clinician and agreed to by the patient a summary feedback report can be sent to the referring clinician after 12 weeks.
• Updates include exercise adherence, progress against fatigue, mobility, and confidence benchmarks, using recognised PROM tools 
• Any red-flag symptoms or new health concerns are communicated promptly back to the referrer.

Safety and clinical governance

All CUFITTER™ trainers hold:

• CUFITTER™ Award in Applied Delivery of Cancer Exercise (link to training page)
• Training to manage exercise safely for individuals with co-morbidities and cancer-specific precautions (bone metastases, lymphoedema, cardiac or respiratory conditions).