Question reference: S6W-24562
- Asked by: Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 17 January 2024
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 25 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made regarding whether prehabilitation improves oncological outcomes for patients, in light of its Cancer Action Plan for Scotland 2023-2026, which emphasises the benefits of prehabilitation.
Answer
The evidence for prehabilitation across several areas of oncological care has grown and demonstrates that a multi-modal tired intervention can lead to better functional outcomes and improve other important outcomes associated with cancer treatment including quality of life.
Focus groups with people affected by cancer, evaluations of prehabilitation activities, and evidence collated by others working with people with lived experience of cancer, also tells us that prehabilitation is welcomed by the Scottish population and provides an opportunity for them to engage in their care.