Robotic reconstructive urology

| Updated 24 Jul 2026

St George’s robotic reconstructive urology service treats complex, non-cancerous conditions of the kidney, ureter, bladder and pelvic floor using keyhole robotic surgery. The page explains what the service treats, who it’s for, and how patients can be referred, including for second opinions on cases that have proven difficult to manage elsewhere.
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Skin changes and cancer

| Updated 24 Aug 2026

Cancer treatment can often affect your skin, hair and nails. These changes are very common and may include: Dry or itchy skin Rashes Changes to skin colour (hyperpigmentation) Hair loss Tender or split nails Cracks in the skin on your hands or soles of feet. Patients are often the first …
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Stem cell transplant

| Updated 21 Aug 2026

Stem cells are special cells found in the bone marrow that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When these cells are not working properly, a stem cell transplant can help restore healthy blood cell production. This procedure replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming stem cells with healthy …
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Cancer surgery

| Updated 24 Aug 2026

Cancer surgery is a treatment used to remove a tumour and, in some cases, also remove nearby tissue or lymph nodes that may be affected by cancer. The aim is to remove as much of the cancer as possible while preserving normal function and supporting recovery. Surgery may be used …
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Pain and cancer

| Updated 24 Aug 2026

People living with and beyond cancer may experience pain for different reasons, some people don’t experience any pain at all. We are all unique, pain is a personal experience as everyone’s response is different. Cancer can cause pain by putting pressure on different parts of the body, it may press …
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Prehabilitation – preparing for cancer treatment

| Updated 24 Aug 2026

Cancer prehabilitation is the process of improving your physical and emotional health before cancer treatment begins. Just as athletes train for a major event, prehabilitation helps you to prepare your body and mind for your upcoming treatment. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and treatment can feel …
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Chemotherapy

| Updated 23 Jul 2026

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy may be used alone or with other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy. It can be given as tablets, injections, or through a drip (intravenously). Self-management tips You …
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Stoma surgery

| Updated 17 Jul 2026

A stoma is an opening in the abdomen which allows waste to collect in an external pouch. It can be temporary, giving the body time to heal, or sometimes they are permanent. Types of stomas: Colostomy: the colon (or large bowel) is attached to an external pouch, usually producing solid …
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Return to work or education

| Updated 10 Aug 2026

Keeping up with work or studying or returning after a cancer diagnosis can be a significant step in recovery. While many people are keen to regain a sense of normality and routine, it is also common to experience physical, emotional and practical challenges. Everyone’s experience is different, and there is …
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Caring for someone who has cancer

| Updated 24 Jul 2026

When someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, it is natural to be unsure about how best to support them. Often, just being present can be a helpful action and can make a meaningful difference to their experiences. Please remember not everyone will want to always talk about …
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