If you have recently been diagnosed with womb cancer you may well be experiencing a range of emotions and have many questions. The aim of this article is to help with the practical side of preparing for surgery to ensure you are in the best possible position for treatment.
Prehab (prehabilitation) involves taking steps to improve your physical and emotional health before your operation. Evidence shows that even small changes in the days or weeks before surgery can help improve recovery time, reduce complications, and support your mental health.
At Peaches Womb Cancer Trust, we’re here to guide and support you through this important part of your journey and below are some simple steps that can make a huge difference.
Nutrition & Hydration
Eating well is one of the most important ways you can prepare for surgery. Good nutrition helps maintain strength, supports your immune system, and aids in wound healing after surgery.
Top Tips:
- Aim for a balanced diet:
Include a mix of colourful vegetables, fruits, whole grains (like brown rice or oats), lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts).
- Focus on protein:
Your body will need extra protein to help repair tissue and rebuild muscle after surgery. Try to include protein-rich foods with every meal such as eggs, beans and pulses, lentils, Greek yogurt, cheese, fish, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
- Stay well hydrated:
Aim for 6–8 glasses (1.5–2 litres) of water each day unless you’ve been told otherwise by your medical team. Hydration supports circulation, digestion, and healing.
- Cut back on alcohol and try to stop smoking:
Both alcohol and smoking can increase the risk of complications such as infections, slower wound healing, and breathing problems during and after surgery. If you need support to quit, your GP or cancer nurse specialist can help connect you with services.
- Ask for help if eating is difficult:
If you’re losing weight unintentionally, feeling sick, or struggling to eat enough, ask your clinical team about speaking to a specialist dietitian. It may be necessary to commence some supplements/build up drinks prior to your surgery. This can also be discussed in your pre-operative assessment.
Gentle Exercise
Staying active even in small ways can improve your fitness, reduce surgery-related fatigue, and help you get back on your feet more quickly after the operation.
Gentle, regular exercise that suits you and you enjoy is best.
Below are some examples you may try:
- Walking:
A 10–30-minute walk once or twice a day (even around the house or garden) can boost circulation and lung capacity.
- Strength exercises:
Use light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight (like sit-to-stand from a chair, gentle squats, or wall push-ups) to keep muscles active.
- Stretching and mobility:
Simple stretches or gentle yoga can reduce stiffness and support joint health.
- You may be given an incentive spirometer at your pre-operative assessment. This is a device that encourages deep breathing and helps expand the lungs in order to prevent post-op complications such as chest infections.
Always check with your GP or cancer care team before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have other medical conditions or mobility issues.
Pelvic Floor Health
Why it matters:
Surgery for womb cancer can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. Strengthening these muscles before surgery can help reduce the risk of issues like incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse and support your recovery.
What are pelvic floor exercises?
These exercises involve tightening and lifting the muscles around your vagina and anus.
How to do them:
- Sit, stand or lie down comfortably.
- Imagine you’re trying to stop yourself passing wind and urine at the same time.
- Tighten those muscles and lift — hold for 5–10 seconds, then relax for the same time.
- Repeat 10 times, 3–4 times a day.
You should feel a lift inside and not a squeeze of your thighs or buttocks.
Helpful tips:
- Don’t hold your breath. Breathe normally while you do them.
- Do them regularly.
- Avoid doing them while urinating as this can confuse your bladder signals.
- The Squeezy app is a useful tool to support you with this
For further support with pelvic floor exercises please access our support video via YouTube:
Watch: Essential core & pelvic floor exercises with Sarah Russell
Emotional & Mental Preparation
Preparing emotionally is just as important as physical preparation. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, worried, or low in mood in the lead-up to surgery.
Taking time to support your mental wellbeing can reduce stress, improve sleep, and help you feel more in control.
Try the following techniques:
- Breathing exercises:
Practice slow, deep breathing. The 4-7-8 technique (inhale 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8) can help calm your nervous system.
inhale for 4 seconds
hold for 7 seconds
exhale for 8 seconds
- Mindfulness & relaxation apps:
Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer guided meditations, body scans, and sleep support.
- Journaling:
Writing down your feelings can help you process emotions and spot things you might want to discuss with your care team.
- Talk it through:
Don’t be afraid to share how you’re feeling with trusted family or friends or join us for one of our support groups where you can talk with those on a similar journey.
Practical Preparation
Taking care of a few practicalities before surgery can help reduce stress and make your recovery period more comfortable.
Suggestions:
- Pack your hospital bag early.
Include:
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- Slippers or sliders – as these fit better with the TED (thrombo-embolic deterrent) stockings
- Lip balm, hand cream, face wipes
- Phone, charger and headphones (a long lead for a charger is often helpful)
- A book to read and or journal to jot down notes if needed
- Make a list of questions for your consultant or surgical team and bring it to your pre-op appointment.
- Plan for after the surgery:
- Prepare meals in advance or ask friends/family to help with cooking.
- Arrange any support you may need for childcare, transport to appointments, or housework.
Peaches Support
Facing surgery for womb cancer can feel overwhelming, if you’d like to connect with others who have had similar journey, or want more guidance on how to prepare, please contact us: [email protected]
You can also visit our website for support videos and patient stories, more support articles, and information about our upcoming events.
