THE QUESTION OF SURGERY FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Surgery is a stressful treatment for which the patient must be sufficiently well prepared both physically and mentally. After the operation, much time must be allotted for recovery of bodily functions, and auxiliary treatments such as chemotherapy and irradiation may also have to be instituted. The long-term course of treatment demands considerable medical and family support. Finally, the patient is faced by the possibility of a decrease in quality of life as a result of the surgical deformity.