Cancer surgery
On this page:
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 on its own or combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies.
The type of surgery that is recommended will depend on the cancer type, its location, and the individual’s overall health. Your surgical team will discuss the procedure, potential benefits, risks, and recovery expectations to help you make an informed decision about your care.
More information about cancer surgery can be found on the Macmillan webpage Surgery.
This booklet Ask about your cancer treatment developed by Macmillan aims to help you find out more about your cancer treatment.
Preparing for cancer surgery
To help you prepare for surgery, we have a programme called Get Set 4 Surgery.
We have developed resources to help you make the most of the time you are waiting for your surgery. You can use this time to improve your health and wellbeing, so your surgical recovery is better- think of it as preparation time rather than waiting time.
Watch our video introducing the Get Set 4 Surgery session, with advice on prehabilitation- taking simple steps before surgery to improve your recovery:
We provide weekly sessions to deliver this information live online, via Microsoft Teams, or face-to-face. Please speak to your clinical team to be invited to one of our sessions, or email us: surgeryschool@stgeorges.nhs.uk
Our Guide to Surgery Booklet accompanies the session and explains your care before, during, and after your surgery and also answers many common questions. This booklet was praised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists as an example of best practice.
It explains your care before, during, and after your surgery and answers many common questions. This booklet was praised by the Royal College of Anaesthetists as an example of best practice:
These short films will help to familiarise you with the hospital and surgical process.
Something is better than nothing. Every change you make today has the potential to improve your recovery after surgery.
- Your pre-operative care
2. Your day of surgery
3. Your post-operative care
For additional information on preparing for treatment, please visit our Prehabilitation webpage.
We have developed some guides to help you with your recovery after some of the surgical procedures that we perform at St Georges. For any additional information, please ask your healthcare team.
- Recovery after gynaecological surgery
- Recovery after gynaecological surgery – gender inclusive leaflet
- Recovery after colorectal surgery – female
- Recovery after colorectal surgery – male
- Recovery after colorectal surgery – gender inclusive leaflet