Overview
Surgery may be used to diagnose, treat or manage cancer. It is done by a surgeon or surgical oncologist, usually in a hospital.
The operations for cancer can be large or small. Usually, the aim is to remove cancer from the body or repair a part of the body affected by cancer. It can also relieve symptoms or improve how other treatments work.
A cancer diagnosis can be a shock. Find helpful information in Just diagnosed, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
About cancer surgery
Understand when surgery is used, how it works with other treatments, and who will be involved in your care during and after surgery.
Types of surgery
Learn more about different kinds of surgery, including biopsy, staging surgery, wide excision, resection and lymph node dissection.
Planning and preparation for surgery
Before surgery, you will meet your team to plan the procedure. They will give you instructions about eating, medicines and consent. You may have tests to check your health.
The day of the surgery
On the day of surgery, you will arrive at hospital and be prepared for the operation. You will be given anaesthetic, so that you will not feel pain.
Recovery after surgery
Recovery time depends on the type of operation. You may have pain, tiredness or other side effects at first. Learn what to expect when you go home and how rehabilitation can help.
Caring for someone having surgery
Learn how to support someone having surgery and what to expect when you visit them in hospital.
Questions to ask your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about surgery.
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