“Move More” Packets for Cancer Patients

Macmillan Cancer Support is a London-based organization providing practical, medical and financial support to cancer patients in Britain. It is on the shortlist of the BMJ Group award for healthcare communication because of its “Move More” packet— a  physical activity and cancer information initiative, urging patients to become more active during and after cancer. The impetus for this project is the ongoing problem of cancer patients still being told to rest, rather than keep active, during and after cancer treatment. The packs, for patients and care givers outline the benefits of gentle activity and suggest ways to introduce activity into their lives. For example, one very popular inclusion was packs of seeds, to encourage people to get outside into their gardens. People loved the seeds and looking forward to seeing the flowers bloom and the veggies grow. For more information see BMJ 2012;341:e2866 doi: 10.1136/bmj.e2866