After a cancer diagnosis, it is important not to remain sedentary for long periods of time. To avoid the sedentary style of life can be particularly difficult in the work environment, especially if you are employed in an office.

Tips how to introduce a bit of exercise into your working environment:

• if possible get up from your desk every 30 minutes and walk for 2 minutes
• try to take a walk or some other exercise at lunchtime
• if walking is unfeasible consider desk exercises - you may look odd but they can keep you alert especially when you get tired or sleepy; do not worry about the comments - people will secretly admire your enthusiasm

Commuting to work by car or train, especially in a confined space can be disadvantageous as well. As mentioned above, you should:

• to walk as much as possible, maybe to the bus, train or tube station
• try getting off the bus or tube one stop earlier
• consider using the stairs instead of the lift and walking on the escalators. 

It may be better to commute wearing training shoes and change to more professional attire on arrival.

Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.