Surgery

What is it?

In surgery, cancer cells are cut out by a surgeon. Generally, some of the surrounding healthy cells are also removed to make sure all of the cancer cells have been taken.

What happens during surgery?

After a discussion with one of the hospital doctors, the person may need to have other tests, like X-rays and blood tests, before their surgery begins.

They have either a general anaesthetic, which sends them to sleep, or a local anaesthetic that numbs just an area of their body so they don't feel the surgery.

After the surgery is over, nurses will monitor their condition very closely for a few hours.

Then when they are fully awake they are taken to a regular hospital room if staying overnight. If the person is having an outpatient procedure, they'll be monitored by nurses and doctors in another room until they're able to go home.

Before having surgery...

• It's normal to be scared. These tips might help if you or someone close to you is having surgery:
• Ask questions. Don't feel embarrassed about asking lots of questions.
• Be clear on instructions - and ask if in doubt.
• Practice healthy habits. Smoking is never a good idea, but it's bad news before and especially after surgery when the body is trying to recover. Get lots of rest and eat healthy foods.
• Try relaxation techniques. Taking a few slow, deep breaths or focusing on an object in the room can help to tune out stressful thoughts and cope with anxiety.
• Plan ahead. Try not to let the fact that you're having treatment disrupt your normal routine, such as your school life or your job too much. Talking to a teacher or manager about assignments or work will help.
• Tell a few people. Talking about it with a friend can help make it less scary.