26/09/2026
Cancer diagnosed, but surgery is not scheduled immediately? That does not always mean the cancer cannot be operated on.
In some cancers, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be given before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant treatment.
The aim may be to:
• Shrink the tumour before surgery
• Improve the chances of complete tumour removal
• Make surgery more effective
• Help preserve an organ when possible
So, if your cancer specialist says, “Let us start chemotherapy first,” it may be part of a carefully planned treatment strategy—not a sign that surgery is no longer possible.
Cancer treatment is planned based on the type of cancer, stage, tumour location, scans and the individual patient’s condition.
If you or your family member has been advised chemotherapy before surgery, discuss the treatment sequence with your cancer care team.
Dr. Suraj Manjunath
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