RecruitingInterventional

Evaluating a cancer rehabilitation service for people diagnosed with lung cancer

Living with lung cancer and undergoing treatment can take a heavy toll on your energy, physical strength, and everyday wellbeing. This study, called CanBenefit 3, is testing a new rehabilitation service across two NHS hospital trusts in Yorkshire. It offers adults with lung cancer a tailored exercise and wellbeing plan designed specifically for them by an exercise specialist. Participants can follow their programme at home using an app on their phone or tablet, or with simple paper guides if preferred. The research team will check in at roughly 3 and 6 months to see how participants are getting on, and follow their health records for up to a year. Researchers want to find out whether this service is practical to run through routine NHS care and how well it helps patients stay active and cope with treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Hull

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Lung cancer

What is this study about?

Treatments for lung cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, can be very demanding on the body. Many people find that their stamina drops and they feel worn out, making everyday tasks difficult. While light physical activity and wellbeing guidance can help people recover and cope with symptoms, these support services are not always readily available in standard NHS care.

The CanBenefit 3 study aims to change that. Researchers want to see if an individualised cancer rehabilitation programme can be smoothly blended into routine hospital care. Rather than offering general advice or a one-size-fits-all workout, an exercise specialist works directly with each person to design a plan that matches their current fitness, symptoms, and personal goals.

By testing this service, researchers hope to see whether patients enjoy the programme and stick with it, and whether it helps them feel stronger and finish their cancer treatments. If the results are positive, this project could help pave the way for similar rehabilitation services to become standard practice across the wider NHS.

Key takeaways

Open to adults with any type or stage of lung cancer.
Provides a personalised exercise and wellbeing plan tailored to your needs.
Can be followed at home using a mobile app or paper worksheets.
Involves check-ins at 3 and 6 months, with health monitoring for up to a year.
Aims to improve your strength and quality of life without altering your cancer treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with lung cancer. It is open to people with any type or stage of lung cancer, whether your treatment aims to cure the cancer or manage your symptoms. You may be receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted drugs, surgery, or supportive care.

The service is not suitable for people with sudden or unstable health problems that would make exercise unsafe. For example, you may not be able to join if you have very severe uncontrolled symptoms, a recent blood clot in the lungs that is still being treated, or serious heart problems.

Your hospital care team will review your health history to make sure taking part is completely safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

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.

I am aged 18 or older.
I have been diagnosed with lung cancer (any type or stage).
I am being treated at a participating NHS hospital in Yorkshire.
I do not have severe, unstable heart or lung problems.
I feel willing and able to try gentle, guided physical activity.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part, your cancer doctor or nurse will refer you to an exercise specialist. You will have an initial assessment to talk about your health, fitness, and goals. Based on this, you will receive a personal exercise and wellbeing plan that you can view on a smartphone app or read on paper at home. You will have follow-up check-ins at around 3 and 6 months to see how you are feeling and adjust your plan if needed. The team will also monitor your progress using your hospital medical records for up to 12 months. Taking part does not involve any new medicines. A small number of participants will also be invited to a one-off interview to share what they thought of the service.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help improve your physical stamina, reduce tiredness, and boost your overall quality of life during cancer care. The information gathered will also help improve support for future patients. The risks are low and similar to any gentle exercise, such as temporary muscle aches, tiredness, or mild shortness of breath. All exercises are carefully chosen and monitored by trained specialists to keep you safe. You can stop or pause at any time, and your regular NHS medical care will not be affected in any way.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Hull, England
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
York, England

Common questions

Do I have to go to a gym?

No. The exercises are designed to be done safely at home, using an app on your phone or printed paper guides.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No. This study only tests an exercise and wellbeing support service. It does not involve any experimental drugs.

What if I have never exercised before?

That is not a problem at all. Your programme is built around what you can comfortably do and will be tailored to your own pace.

Does it cost anything to take part?

No. The rehabilitation service is completely free as part of your NHS trial care.

Can I leave the study if I feel unwell?

Yes. You can leave the programme at any time without giving a reason, and your normal cancer care will continue as usual.

How to find out more

Buse Apel

buse.apel@hyms.ac.uk +44 (0)1482463505 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.