Treatment for cancer
Surgery is also called an operation. It is the main treatment for a number of different cancers. But you may also have it for other reasons. This includes surgery to diagnose cancer and to control symptoms. You normally have an anaesthetic before surgery.
Your hospital will prepare you for the operation. And there are also things you can do. But the type of anaesthetic, operation and what happens after, depends on the type of cancer you have. And unfortunately, surgery isn’t an option for everybody.
Surgery is a procedure to remove or repair some of the tissue in your body. It is one of the main treatments for some cancers. But you may also have it for other reasons.
You normally have a pre operative assessment and some tests to prepare you for surgery. But there are also things you can do to prepare yourself.
Your nurse makes sure you are ready for surgery. And you see your surgeon and anaesthetist. When it is time, you go to the operating theatre.
What happens after surgery depends on the type of anaesthetic, operation and how well you recover. You normally have a wound. And you may have some tubes and drains when you wake up.
There is a risk of complications after any surgery. This includes infection, blood clots and pain. Other problems can depend on what operation you have.
Last reviewed: 28 Mar 2025
Next review due: 28 Mar 2028
This section has been written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thank you to the expert medical professionals and people affected by cancer who have helped to review this information.
Dr Rachel Savine (Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia)
Our lay reviewers
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