By Dr. Anirban Nag, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Rangapani
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually, with India reporting over 1.4 million new cases each year. Despite remarkable progress in systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments, surgery remains the cornerstone of cancer management, particularly for solid tumours. Yet, fear and misinformation around cancer surgery continue to influence patient decisions, often leading to delays in seeking timely care.
Does Surgery Cause Cancer to Spread? Understanding the Science
A widely held belief among patients is that performing surgery or exposing a tumour to air can cause cancer to spread rapidly. This misconception often creates hesitation and anxiety around surgical intervention. Cancer metastasis is governed by the biological behaviour of tumour cells and not by surgical exposure. On the contrary, surgery is frequently the most effective way to remove a localized tumour before it can spread. In cancers such as breast, colorectal, and early-stage lung cancer, timely surgical removal offers a high likelihood of cure, especially when combined with appropriate follow-up therapies.
Is Surgery Relevant in Advanced Cancer?
Another common myth is that surgery has no role once cancer has reached an advanced stage. While it is true that surgery may not always be curative in such cases, its importance remains significant. Surgical procedures can help reduce tumour burden, alleviate symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or obstruction, and improve the effectiveness of systemic treatments like chemotherapy. In certain cancers, such as ovarian malignancies, reducing the tumour load through surgery has been shown to enhance survival outcomes and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Do Biopsies or Surgical Procedures Worsen Cancer?
Patients often worry that biopsies or surgical manipulation might “disturb” the tumour and accelerate its growth. However, biopsies are a critical step in cancer care, forming the foundation for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. Without a tissue diagnosis, it is impossible to determine the cancer type, stage, or the most appropriate therapy. Modern surgical oncology follows stringent protocols to ensure safe handling and removal of tumours, minimizing any risk of spread. Rather than causing harm, these procedures enable precise and effective treatment.
Is Cancer Surgery Always Complex and High-Risk? The Evolution of Techniques
Surgery is frequently perceived as invasive, painful, and associated with prolonged recovery. While this may have been true in the past, advances in medical technology have significantly transformed surgical care. Today, minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries allow for smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. In many cases, surgeons can preserve organ function while effectively removing cancer, thereby maintaining a better quality of life for patients. These advancements have made cancer surgery safer and more patient-friendly than ever before.
The Expanding Role of Surgery in Cancer Care
Surgery today plays a multifaceted role in oncology, extending beyond curative intent. It is instrumental in diagnosing cancer through biopsies, staging the disease to guide treatment decisions, removing tumours where possible, and providing palliation to relieve distressing symptoms in advanced stages. Globally, it is estimated that nearly 60–70% of cancer patients will require surgical intervention at some point during their treatment journey. When cancers are detected early, surgical treatment can result in five-year survival rates exceeding 80–90% for several tumour types, highlighting its life-saving potential.
Bridging the Gap Between Awareness and Action
Despite the proven benefits of surgery, a significant proportion of patients in India continue to present at advanced stages, with over 60% of cancers diagnosed late. This delay is often driven by fear, stigma, lack of awareness, and misconceptions surrounding treatment. Many individuals avoid or postpone surgery due to unfounded beliefs, ultimately limiting their chances of cure. Addressing this gap requires sustained public awareness, better patient education, and proactive communication by healthcare providers to build trust and confidence in evidence-based treatment approaches.
Reframing Surgery as a Lifesaving Intervention
Surgery is not merely a treatment option it is one of the most powerful and time-tested tools in the fight against cancer. Far from causing harm, it offers the best chance of cure in many cases and plays a vital role even when cure is not possible. Dispelling myths and replacing them with facts can empower patients to make informed decisions and seek timely care. As cancer treatment continues to evolve, surgery remains a cornerstone, combining precision, innovation, and hope in the journey toward better outcomes and improved survival.
