Many people do not have long-term complications after cancer surgery. Some people do, however, and your surgeon should fully discuss with you the potential long-term complications of your type of surgery (and how likely they are to occur) before your operation.

The type of long-term problem and how likely it is to happen will largely depend on the type of operation and, to a certain extent, will vary from person to person.

You should be given the opportunity to ask your surgeon questions before your surgery so that you understand the potential risks of a permanent complication.

It is natural to be anxious about surgical operations. However, surgery can be one of the most successful treatments for cancer.

Nowadays these operations are usually carried out by surgeons with a great deal of experience in treating the particular type of cancer, which gives you the best chance of a good outcome. In some conditions, such as cancer of the breast or bowel, there may be specialist nurses looking after you who also have a great deal of experience in the particular type of cancer.

The nurse or surgeon will explain to you before the operation what scarring and other effects are likely, and what procedures will be followed to make sure that you get the best possible care.