Practical advice

Physiotherapy and Exercise

Some cancer patients find that physiotherapy and exercise can make a difference to how they feel. Advice on improving physical problems and exercise can be accessed through a physiotherapist as an in-patient or out-patient.

Being active is really important whilst going through treatment. Where possible, our physiotherapists encourage young people to remain active in hospital and when they get home. They have lots of resources available signposting to sports clubs or groups throughout the south west.

The main aim of physiotherapy is to optimise physical and functional ability. Treatment may include; strengthening or stretching exercises, balance and co-ordination activities, hydrotherapy, gait re-education, developmental programs and may include chest physiotherapy.

Keeping active during and after treatment (CCLG)
Physical activity (CCLG)
Cancer and exercise (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Living healthily during cancer (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Exercise for cancer patients (Young Lives vs Cancer)
Body and health (Young Lives vs Cancer)
Energise cancer rehabilitation exercise classes in Bristol (Bristol City Council)

Occupational therapy

An Occupational Therapy service can offer advice and assistance with the physical and psychological effects of cancer, such as anxiety management, fatigue management, functional activities like cooking and helping your child to manage at home. Advice on self-care e.g. washing and dressing, equipment and adaptations (to help with independence e.g. using a wheelchair) can be accessed through an Occupational Therapist.

The Occupational Therapy services at our treatment centres offer advice and assistance for teenagers and young people who are experiencing challenges with everyday activities as a result of their cancer and treatment. This may include:

Self-care e.g. self-feeding, getting dressed, bathing and toileting
Social interaction
Productivity e.g. skills such as writing and typing
Learning and development
Accessing the home, community, education or work environment

Occupational therapy at our treatment centres

Hair Loss

Certain types of cancer treatment can cause partial hair loss or thinning or can cause people to lose hair from all over their body. Radiotherapy causes hair loss on the site of treatment whereas chemotherapy drugs have varying effects. If you decide you want to wear a wig, you may find it helpful to visit a wig specialist before your cancer treatment to help match your hair colour and style.

Little Princess Trust is a charity that provides real hair wigs, free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer
Hair Loss (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Will my hair grow back after cancer treatment? (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Hair loss tips (Young Lives vs Cancer)
I didn't let weight gain or hair loss after chemo define me (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Body image and cancer (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Will my hair grow back after cancer treatment? (Teenage Cancer Trust)
Coping with changes to your body (CCLG)
Hair loss and cancer (Maggie's)
Hair loss (Macmillan Cancer Support)
Children & teenage cancer hair loss support services (Cancer Hair Care)

Nutrition & Dietetics

Some patients need advice on what to eat and drink when going through treatment or after treatment. Dieticians can help to treat symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea.

A dietician can give food safety advice to reduce the risk of food-borne infection, food fortification to increase the nutrient content of the diet, advice on tube feeding (such as a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy) and parenteral nutrition when the gut is too poorly to digest nutrients.