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Can cancer spread during surgery?

No. Cancer operations are planned to take the tumor out safely.

There is no evidence that ordinary cancer surgery spreads cancer around the body. The worry is common and it is not borne out.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

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Content last updated 25 September 2026 · How we write these cards · Report a problem with this card

These cards are for learning. They are not medical advice and do not replace talking with your own doctor.