Neil Agnew

This week @macmillancancer in collaboration with CPOC has published Prehabilitation for People with Cancer: Clinical and Implementation Guidelines. ➡️ Evidence-based recommendations for the design & delivery of prehab services for people with cancer. 🔗 tinyurl.com/4twsmev9

The solution starts with progressive resistance training at least twice a week. Studies show even 90-year-olds can rebuild muscle. Then fuel adaptation with 1.2–1.6 g of protein per kg of body weight daily (around 30 g per meal).

Up to 50 % of adults over 80 lose muscle strength and we rarely screen for it. This isn’t “just aging.” It’s sarcopenia and it’s largely invisible.

Exercise “Better Then Drugs” to Stop Cancer and Prolong Life after treatment! 🏃‍♀️ A groundbreaking study published in @NEJM found structured exercise after chemotherapy significantly reduces risk of colon cancer recurrence & death. The decade-long randomized controlled trial involved 889 patients from six countries who had completed chemotherapy for colon cancer. Participants who engaged in a supervised exercise program experienced a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence and a 37% reduction in overall mortality compared to those who received only general health advice. The exercise regimen, tailored to individual preferences and capabilities, included activities such as brisk walking, jogging, and swimming, aiming for three to four sessions per week. Participants received coaching and support to help them achieve their exercise goals over a three-year period. Experts suggest that these findings could transform cancer care by integrating structured exercise programs into standard treatment protocols. Beyond colon cancer, the benefits of exercise may extend to other cancer types, offering a non-toxic and cost-effective strategy to reduce mortality risk and improve patient outcomes. 🔗 nejm.org/doi/full/10.10… #cancer #exercise #meded #exerciseforcancer #CancerRecovery #ColonCancer #CancerSurvivor

Exercise can help more people survive colon cancer news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/06/01/str…

We published seven pages dedicated to preoperative optimisation proven to reduce surgical complications by up to 50% for patients. The pages provide resources for clinicians to support patients to improve their outcomes. 📷View the 7 interventions here: ow.ly/WMVT50VljwR

Yesterday we published our updated Guideline for the Management of Anaemia in the Perioperative Pathway. The guideline includes recommendations for multidisciplinary staff across all stages of the surgical journey. Read our updated recommendations: ow.ly/AA0n50Vy0OK

One week in bed can cost you up to 1 kg of muscle. This is a catabolic crisis—a sudden, steep drop in strength and function. Older adults may never fully recover. Prevention starts now: train, fuel, move daily. Don’t wait for the fall to think about strength.

Actively preparing for major surgery by exercising and improving diet (“prehabilitation”) is associated with fewer complications, less time in hospital, and improved recovery and quality of life in adults, finds an analysis of clinical trials @mcisaac_d bmj.com/content/388/bm…

@paywclf @UKCPA Essential preop resource which guides international practice!

EXERCISE IS MEDICINE! Enthralling to hear @ProfRobNewton @drmalcolmwest share the mounting evidence that exercise itself can prevent cancer, support treatment efficacy & ameliorate side effects #PREHABMEL2024 @GM_Cancer @MOVEcharity @LesleyLesleys @mysurgeryandme @MatthewEvison1

🚨The latest report from @PQIPNews is out now.🚨 This 5th report analyses data from 8,000+ patients and 130+ hospitals, outlining the key improvement priorities for the future. Read the full report here: ow.ly/wWRN50ToVmE

North Wales patients given gym workouts before major surgery - BBC News bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

The known molecular mechanisms underpinning the protective effects of exercise on our health. 🏃‍♂️ Most evidence comes from animal studies 🐭

Really impressive conference being offered by Welsh POM group - well done, see you there.

The official opening of Dr.Neil Agnew's PREHABILITATION UNIT by Chief Executive, Carol Shillabeer and Chairman Dyfed Edwards on Friday 5th April. We are very proud to have supported Dr.Neil Agnew's PREHABILITATION UNIT.

🩸Health professionals in Wales are showing support for #WorldAnaemiaAwarenessDay 🌎The global campaign reaches over 12 million people worldwide and promotes the value of optimising blood health #BHNOG supports preop anaemia, with resources available at bhnog.wales.nhs.uk