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Cancer Treatment - Surgery

How is surgery used in cancer treatment?

Surgery is used in several ways to help cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is the oldest form of cancer treatment. It provides the best chance to stop many types of cancer, and it also plays a part in diagnosing, staging, and supporting cancer treatment.


Having surgery for cancer is different for every patient, depending on the type of surgery, the type of cancer, and the patient's health. For some people, surgery is a major medical procedure with life-changing side effects. For others, surgery is quick and has few side effects.

What Is Informed Consent?

This is a crucial part of understanding your cancer care. This is when you give your cancer care team written permission to perform a treatment. It is your chance to state that you know why and how the treatment is being performed, how it may help you, what the risks and possible side effects are, and what other treatment options may help you. Before you give this permission, make sure to ask your oncologist any questions you have.

What are the risks and potential side effects of surgery for cancer treatment?

Risk is a part of any surgery. Though science and medical technology have made surgery a safe and reliable treatment option, there is always the risk of potential problems and side effects. In many cases, however, the positive effects of surgery outweigh the risks. This is one of the reasons why learning about your cancer and cancer treatment is important. The more you know about surgery for cancer, the more informed your choices will be. Be sure to discuss the following potential complications with your cancer care team prior to undergoing treatment:


Problems during surgery may include:

  • Damage to organs in the body
  • Blood loss
  • Adverse reactions to medication

Problems after surgery may include:

  • Pain or discomfort (a common problem following surgery that can often be relieved with medication and with the help of your cancer care team)
  • Infections
  • Other illnesses, such as pneumonia
  • Blood loss or clots