We offer Physiotherapy to all inpatients. During this time we deliver individualised, patient centred rehabilitation programmes to optimise function and support discharge from hospital. We aim to encourage independence in order to assist individuals to manage their symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment such as:
We offer an outpatient service to all tumour sites. We run one to one assessments and treatment intervention depending on your needs, these services may be face to face or by virtual means. In addition, we are currently able to offer a Physiotherapy input into multi-disciplinary clinics for Lung, Neurological and Gynaecology cancers. All referrals must be via a health care professional, please speak to your team if you feel you would benefit from a referral to the Physiotherapy service.
We also have a new dedicated physiotherapy service for any ladies having treatment for gynaecological cancer. This is aimed at trying to help and support ladies through their treatment and to give advice for any side effects they may experience. Please contact the physiotherapy department for more information.
What is Breathlessness?
Breathlessness is an unpleasant sensation of uncomfortable, rapid or difficult breathing. It may come on suddenly or gradually over a period of time. The reason for breathlessness is that your body needs more oxygen than it is getting so you breathe faster.
Breathlessness and Cancer
There are a number of possible causes of breathlessness. Following a diagnosis of cancer, fear, stress and anxiety are very common natural reactions. They can cause people to breathe too fast and to take shallow breaths from the top of your lungs, rather than your lower chest. This can sometimes make you feel more breathless, which can lead to a feeling of a panic attack.
Sometimes cancer affecting the lungs can be a cause of breathlessness, it may be a primary lung cancer (where the cancer has started in the lungs) or a secondary cancer that has spread to the lung from another part of the body. Treatments are available which may help shrink the tumour and relieve breathlessness caused by cancer.
A few other examples include chest infections where the phlegm in the airways can make you feel breathless. Weakened muscles and pain that is poorly controlled can make it difficult to breathe comfortably.
Breathlessness can be distressing and it can affect several areas of your life. However, there are many things that can relieve or help you manage breathlessness. Some people prefer some techniques over others – there is no right or wrong way of coping. The most important thing is to find what works best for you in each situation. Here are some ideas below:
Sources of Support
If you would like further support for coping with your breathlessness you can find this from the following services:
Your GP (you may be referred to the surgery’s counselling service).
Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk or 0808 808 0000.
Tenovus: www.tenovus.org.uk or 0808 808 1010.
Leigh Porter, Velindre Patient and Carer Information and Support Co-ordinator: For information on support services in your local area – 029 20196132.
Velindre has programmes aimed to help you to manage your breathlessness and live with feelings of uncertainty.
Your Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist can provide you information about the services available to you and request a referral to programmes or Clinical Psychology and Counselling team at Velindre Cancer Centre.
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Original version prepared 2014.
This leaflet aims to provide you with some information about the importance of physical activity and ways of increasing your activity levels. In the past, adults with cancer were often told to rest during treatment. However, we now know
that being active will help you manage some of the side effects of cancer and / or its treatment(s).
There are lots of benefits to keeping active during and after cancer treatment, both for your body and your mind. Activity can help reduce fatigue, increase your appetite, build muscle and bone strength, help your heart, keep you fit and help you maintain a healthy weight. Activity can also help you manage stress, anxiety and low mood. There is some evidence that for some people being active can reduce the risk of cancer coming back in the future. However, the thought of becoming active can be overwhelming, particularly if you have not been active before or for some time. It can be difficult to know where to start or you may worry about your ability to return to your previous activity levels.
How Much Activity Should I Do?
It can be difficult to know how much and the type of activity you should be doing. It is suggested that all adults should try and do:
150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes) of moderate intensity
activity every week.
This may sound like a lot; but the activity does not have to be done all at the same time. For example:
30 minutes of activity - 5 times per week.
If you are just starting to increase your activity levels or are having treatment, you may want to do shorter times and do them over the day. For example:
Three 10 minute sessions in one day
It can also be hard to know how intense your activity levels need to be. As a rule, moderate intensity activity should make you feel a little warmer, make your heart beat a little quicker and breathing a little faster, but you should still be able to hold a conversation.
Top Tips for Getting Active and Staying Active
There are many ways that you can become more active. Here are some ideas on how to be more active:
Sources of Support
The following services can give you more information or
help on staying active:
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
This leaflet offers tips and advice on how to maintain a healthy bladder and bowel
Version 1.0 April 2020