CANmove is the UK's first open-access exercise class for cancer patients to be delivered by fitness instructors.

Macmillan Cancer Support said research showed almost half of people in Scotland who had completed treatment for cancer said they had not been told about the importance to their recovery of being physically active.

The charity said keeping active during and after treatment could help prevent recurrence of some forms of the disease, as well as minimising the side effects of some treatments.

Meeting Scottish Government guidelines of having 150 minutes of physical activity a week can help reduce fatigue, muscle-wasting, decreased mobility, depression and anxiety, according to Macmillan.

The new exercise programme, rolled out across Glasgow yesterday, is a development of the Active ABC classes launched by Glasgow Sport and various breast cancer charities in October 2009, which were available to women with breast cancer.

Following the success of these classes, Macmillan has been working with Glasgow Sport and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to expand the programme to include patients with any type of cancer.

Elspeth Atkinson, director of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We know that going through gruelling cancer treatment can be very frightening for people, however knowing what you can do to help yourself and your recovery is both encouraging and helpful.

"It is crucial that health professionals encourage people living with cancer to stay physically active and Macmillan will continue to work with and support them to ensure that this happens."

Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: "Exercise is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of patients and as a city we should be proud to be the first to deliver such invaluable classes to everyone."

Classes will take place from Monday to Saturday at various times in sports and leisure centres across Glasgow.

n To find out more, call 0141 287 0241 or visit macmillan.org.uk/movemore.