Surgery for cancer

Surgery, or having an operation, is a common treatment used for cancer.

It may be the only treatment, be used alongside others, or it may not be suitable for you or the type of cancer you have. 

This page will help you understand how surgery is used for cancer.

When is surgery used for cancer?

There are lots of reasons surgery may be offered for cancer. It can be used to:

• diagnose cancer
• confirm the stage
• remove all, or reduce the size, of the tumour
• prevent or reduce your risk of a particular cancer – this is known as prophylactic surgery
• reconstruct part of your body after it has been removed
• help with other treatments – for example, to insert a central line into your chest for chemotherapy drugs

When does surgery happen?

If you need surgery for cancer, it will usually be part of your treatment plan.

Emergency operations can happen if you have symptoms that need to be treated urgently.

Cancer can also sometimes be found during routine surgeries for other conditions.

Waiting lists for cancer surgery

You may be told you are on a waiting list for an operation date to be confirmed.

Ask your healthcare team how and when you will find out about the date.

If you're worried you haven't heard, or your symptoms are getting worse, get in touch with your GP, consultant or specialist nurse to let them know.

Your operation

You'll usually be given a date and information about the operation in advance.

You'll also have the chance to discuss what's involved with your healthcare team and talk through any preparations you may need to make.

Planned operations will be carried out by a surgeon who specialises in treating your particular cancer. This may be at a different hospital.

Different types of cancer have very specialised operations.

After surgery

An operation may involve a stay in hospital, although some cancer surgery procedures can be done in a day.

When you're discharged from hospital, the nurse will:

• Talk through problems that might happen
• Tell you how to take any medication you've been given
• Show you how to do any special procedures 
• Arrange for community nursing care if you need it
• Give you contact details in case you have questions

You will usually have a follow up appointment with your hospital doctor.

Maggie's is here with you

You may have questions or be feeling many different emotions when you're preparing for, or recovering from, surgery.

Our Cancer Support Specialists are here listen to your concerns and help you find the information and help that's right for you:

• Find your nearest Maggie's centre – you don't need an appointment, just come in

Last review: Oct 2021 | Next review: Oct 2022