SHIFT Newsroom · England
STAMINA: exercise support during prostate hormone treatment
UK archive · Original report: 7 September 2026. An NHS trial reported better quality of life with supervised support. The related activity programme has a specific referral route, not open national enrolment.
UK archive review · 13 September 2026. Original source: 7 September 2026. This article revisits a UK development; it is not a new announcement today.
Support alongside cancer treatment
The NIHR reported results from STAMINA, involving 700 men receiving androgen deprivation therapy across fifteen NHS hospitals in England. The intervention combined supervised exercise, dietary advice and behavioural support with ongoing cancer care.
The reported benefits concern quality of life and fatigue. This is not evidence that exercise replaces hormone treatment or cures prostate cancer. The study tested organised support, not a general instruction to join a gym and manage alone.
What the related service currently says
Nuffield Health’s Cancer Activity Programme describes a free 24-week offer with tailored assessment and supervised sessions, followed by longer-term support. Its current page lists selected referring NHS trusts and Nuffield hospitals. It is not open self-referral from every part of the UK.
The service page also retains an older sentence anticipating trial results. The September 2026 NIHR announcement is the later source for the results; the provider page is used here for the published access arrangements.
Questions for your clinical team
Ask whether a supported activity programme is appropriate during your treatment, whether your team can refer and how exercises would be adapted. Clarify travel, appointment frequency and what support remains after the initial programme.
For someone concerned about weight gain or loss of strength during treatment, those details may be more useful than a general fitness target. The important feature is coordination with the treating team.
The trial announcement is encouraging evidence for supportive care. It does not confirm an available place locally or justify changing cancer medication. Check the provider’s current referral list with your healthcare professional.
Related UK reporting
Prostate SABR: fewer radiotherapy visits for eligible men
Known facts
- An NHS trial reported better quality of life with supervised support. The related activity programme has a specific referral route, not open national enrolment.