Prehab for Lung and Esophageal Cancer
This research is about a special 8-week health coaching programme, called prehabilitation, for people getting ready for surgery for lung or gullet (oesophageal) cancer. The idea is that if people are healthier and stronger before their operation, they might recover better and have an improved quality of life afterwards. The programme includes tips on healthy eating, stopping smoking, sleeping well, and different types of exercise. You'll have one-on-one sessions with a health coach, either in person or online, before and for a month after your surgery. The study wants to see how well this programme works and if it can help patients feel better and have better outcomes after their big operation.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a special programme called 'prehabilitation' for people who are about to have surgery for lung or gullet (oesophageal) cancer. Think of prehabilitation as getting ready for a big event, like training for a marathon – but for your surgery. The main idea is that if you're in the best possible shape before your operation, you're more likely to recover well and have a better quality of life afterwards. This includes being fitter, eating more healthily, and generally feeling better.
The programme itself lasts for 8 weeks and is specially designed for each person. It covers important areas like good nutrition (healthy eating), stopping smoking (if you currently smoke), improving your sleep, managing stress, and getting more active. You'll meet with a qualified health coach who will guide you through these areas, providing support and tools to help you make healthy changes. These meetings happen before your surgery and continue for a month afterwards, including one session while you're in the hospital.
Researchers want to find out if this kind of programme can be successfully offered in local communities and if it really helps patients get stronger and recover better after their surgery. By checking your health at different stages – before the programme starts, just before surgery, and then a few weeks after surgery – they hope to see how much of a difference the programme makes. The results could help more people with lung or gullet cancer get this type of support in the future.
Key takeaways
- A special 8-week health coaching programme before lung or gullet cancer surgery.
- Aims to improve fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being for better recovery.
- Includes personalised support on healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and coping strategies.
- One-on-one coaching sessions, in person or online.
- Continues to provide support for one month after surgery, including in hospital.
- Helps understand if this type of care should be part of standard treatment.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you need to meet a few specific requirements. First, you must have been diagnosed with lung or gullet (oesophageal) cancer and be scheduled to have surgery for it within at least two weeks. Your surgeon also needs to agree that it's okay for you to join the programme.
You also need to be aged 18 or over and be able to read and write in English. This is important because the programme involves understanding information and communicating with your health coach.
If you are unable to understand what the study is about and give your clear agreement to take part (this is called 'informed consent'), then you unfortunately would not be able to join this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Have I been diagnosed with lung or gullet (oesophageal) cancer?
- Am I scheduled for surgery within at least the next two weeks?
- Has my surgeon said it's okay for me to join?
- Am I 18 years old or older?
- Can I read and write in English?
- Am I able to understand information about the study and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would join a personalised 8-week health coaching programme. This involves having between 4 and 6 meetings with a qualified health coach before your surgery. These meetings can be in person or online, depending on what works best for you. During these sessions, you'll learn about healthy movement, stopping smoking, improving your sleep, reducing stress, mindfulness, and good nutrition.
After your surgery, the health coach will continue to support you for about a month. This includes counselling and scheduled sessions, with one session happening while you are still in hospital. Throughout the study, there will be three times when your health will be checked officially: once when you start the programme (baseline), again just before your surgery, and then 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. There are no specific medications involved in this study; it focuses on lifestyle changes and coaching.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Victoria General HospitalVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'prehabilitation'?
Prehabilitation means getting your body and mind in the best possible shape before having surgery, hoping for a better recovery.
How long does the programme last?
The health coaching programme itself is 8 weeks long, with support continuing for a month after surgery.
Do I have to do all the activities?
The programme is personalised, meaning it's tailored to your needs. You'll work with your coach to find what's right for you.
Will this cost me anything?
The study does not mention any costs for participants; research studies are typically free for those who take part.
What happens after the study?
The findings will help researchers understand if this programme should be offered more widely to patients in the future.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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