Skip to content

There is evidence to show exercise and physical activity during and after treatment can be beneficial in a number of ways:

  • Helps to slow the decline of / improve physical fitness and functioning (muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness and mobility.
  • Improve body composition (prevent muscle loss and weight gain / weight loss).
  • Management of fatigue (reported improvements of up to 88% reduced fatigue scores through completion of the CAN-Move Programme).
  • Helps to reduce the impact of other treatments and their side effects (for example could include sleep, pain, Lymphoedema, cognitive dysfunction, bone health amongst many more).
  • Helps improve wellbeing and mood, depression and anxiety (reported improvement of up to 85% improved well being scores through completion of the CAN-Move Programme).
  • Can help to improve treatment tolerance.

We also support our clients to improve their general health and manage other medical conditions through exercise and physical activity.

Follow the CAN Move team on Facebook 


The CAN-Move Programme includes:

  • Exercise in a relaxed atmosphere, delivered to you individually or in a group setting, providing support and encouragement throughout.
  • Includes supervised gym sessions and specialist CAN-Move circuit classes.
  • Wider activities including: Salford Wellbeing Walks, Wellbeing Gardening Sessions, Tai Chi, Swimming and online home based support.
  • Patient led, individualised and supported programme of prescribed exercise / activity taking into account treatment side effects and other limitations.
  • Regular follow ups and ongoing support from peers and instructors.
  • Opportunity to exercise in a Salford Community Leisure Centre nearest to you.
Group of people socialising at a Can Move class

How do I join the programme?

Referral to the programme can be made through your Cancer Nurse Specialist, GP, Practice Nurse or other Health Professional. Self-Referral is possible.

Email us

‘I found the programme absolutely fantastic and made quite a few new friends from it. Everyone has the same interest and something in common. It really was exceptional and such a fantastic service. The trainers are brilliant and everyone is so friendly, it was about having fun as well as getting active. It is just what you need!’

George / Completed the programme but still finds benefits from the group

I became aware of the Can Move groups through my therapist and through my specialist.
I didn't want to do it because I just presumed it was just gym fitness and that'd be too much for me, but being invited to a McMillen group, it made me more aware of what they do and it was more of something I believe I could do.
As well as coming to the Can Move classes, I also get to see that there's a swimming pool here and there's also an actual gym, which used to scare me. But being shown around the gym and shown the things that I can do, that's what's allowed me to come from the can Move group into the gym and into the swimming pool.

Paul / Can - Move attendee and gym user