Cancer support
Breast cancer recovery
Reaching, dressing and returning to work may take time after breast cancer treatment. Find support for shoulder movement, fatigue and confidence, with activities shaped by your surgery, symptoms and oncology team’s advice.
A connected care plan.
The starting point
Work towards comfortable movement and the activities you want to return to.
For people preparing for or recovering from breast cancer treatment, including those who finished treatment some time ago. Your surgeon or oncology team guides participation. Swelling, pain and concerns after reconstruction may need assessment before activities begin.
Make it personal.
02 / Your planKeep it connected.
03 / Your next stepReview it together.
What would support look like for you?
A clinician guides care. A coach helps you carry the plan into daily life. Your centre agrees the support available.
Care that fits your everyday life.
A shared plan, shaped around the person and reviewed by their clinician.
Where would you like to begin?
Shoulder and everyday movement+
Work towards relevant reaching, lifting and daily activity goals. Movement begins within your surgical restrictions and is reviewed as healing, comfort and medical advice change.
Strength, energy and balance+
A suitable plan may combine gradual strength work, walking and balance practice. Activities are adapted around treatment, fatigue and concerns such as numbness or unsteadiness.
Arm concerns and confidence+
Discuss swelling, heaviness, discomfort and their effect on daily life. The team can coordinate assessment or specialist referral, alongside emotional support and help with returning to work or family routines.
What would you like to know next?
What would the first steps be?↗
- Assessment
Review the operation or treatment history, current restrictions and your goals. Discuss shoulder movement, arm symptoms, fatigue and daily function.
- Your plan
Agree suitable activities and precautions with the relevant professionals, including any specialist assessment needed before exercise begins.
- Practice
Build movement and activity gradually through guided work and an appropriate home routine, reporting changes in pain, swelling or tolerance.
- Review
Compare relevant measures and daily goals over time. Share the review with your treating team and agree the next stage of support.
How would progress be reviewed?↗
Your clinician chooses measures relevant to your goals. Examples may include:
- Shoulder movement and activities such as dressing or reaching
- Strength, comfortable walking and the impact of fatigue
- Arm symptoms and measurements when your clinician recommends them
Who could support me?↗
- Your breast surgeon and oncology team
- Coach for everyday goals and follow-through
- Physiotherapy with relevant post-treatment expertise
- Nutrition, psychological support and specialist referral as indicated
Your centre confirms which professionals are involved and how you will meet.
How does my coach help me keep going?↗
Your coach helps turn the agreed plan into everyday action: manageable goals, workable routines and conversations about what is getting in the way. You agree how to stay in touch and bring questions back to the care team. Medical decisions remain with your clinician.
Meet the coaching roleCan we discuss money or work pressures?↗
Money worries can be part of the wellbeing conversation, including care costs, household responsibilities and pressures at work. Your coach can help you organise priorities and explore practical money habits. This is financial wellbeing education, not advice on financial products.
Explore financial wellbeing supportHow does this fit my existing care?↗
Preparation before surgery and recovery after discharge should follow the breast-care team’s advice. Reconstruction, wounds, drains and treatment effects can change what is appropriate. Your plan respects those restrictions and can continue into longer-term support for daily activity, confidence and wellbeing.
Our referral approachAn interactive service guide. Your choices stay on this page.
Your questions, answered.
How soon after surgery can I start?
Timing depends on your operation, healing and your surgeon’s instructions. Bring the discharge advice and any movement or lifting restrictions so the team can discuss an appropriate starting point.
Can I exercise if I have lymphoedema or am at risk?
Your oncology team or lymphoedema specialist can advise on a suitable plan. Exercise should be individualised, with attention to symptoms and any prescribed precautions; new swelling or heaviness needs review.
Can I seek support long after treatment has finished?
Yes. You can ask about ongoing movement difficulties, fatigue or activities you would like help with. An assessment helps establish whether this pathway and the available support fit your needs.
Clinical perspective
Functional recovery support complements breast cancer treatment and follow-up. New swelling, redness, warmth or other concerning symptoms need medical review. The programme does not guarantee prevention of lymphoedema or cancer recurrence.
Further reading
Start a conversation
Start with your story.
Find your local centre and discuss what support may be right for you.