Who We Are

The Fitness Support Network is a non-profit organisation that provides adult cancer patients access to physical activity within their first year of diagnosis if they have early-stage cancer or at any time after their diagnosis if their cancer is advanced.

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Our Mission

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Whether it’s through gym and fitness class memberships in their local area or an online session with one of our cancer rehab specialists, The Fitness Support Network’s mission is to encourage movement throughout treatment for cancer and beyond.

We want to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of adults dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the treatments that come with it.

Evidence has shown that exercise improves the overall health of cancer patients, promotes independence before, during and after treatment and it can improve a patients clinical response to treatment.*

The Impact of exercise on cancer patients:

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“The evidence is growing to support the role of physical activity during and after cancer treatment. Physical activity is important for cancer patients at all stages of the cancer care pathway.

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There is evidence to support the role of physical activity for the following stages of the cancer care pathway:

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1. During cancer treatment – physical activity improves, or prevents the decline of physical function without increasing fatigue.

2. After cancer treatment – physical activity helps recover physical function.

3. During and after cancer treatment – physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality for some cancers and can reduce the risk of developing other long term conditions.

4. Advanced cancers – physical activity can help maintain independence and wellbeing.

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Promoting physical activity at all stages of the cancer care pathway has the potential to reduce NHS expenditure. Cancer survivors* should be advised to gradually build up to the health related physical activity guidelines for the general population. The evidence shows that if an activity recommendation is carefully tailored to the individual, it is likely to have a positive impact on the patient. There is a clear need for mechanisms within the cancer care pathway to support people in maintaining or initiating physical activity during and after treatment.”*

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*Taken from ‘The Importance of Physical Activity for People Living with and Beyond Cancer.’ Written By; Dr Anna Campbell, University of Dundee; Jo Foster, Macmillan Cancer Support; Dr Clare Stevenson, Loughborough University and Dr Nick Cavill (Cavill Associates LTD.)