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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more| .
How we produce our information|
Surgery| plays a very important part in the treatment of cancer. Depending on the size and position of the tumour in the body, an operation to remove it may be the first part of treatment.
Often, a biopsy of the tumour is taken first to make the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a piece of tissue from the tumour so it can be looked at in the laboratory (see tests|).
Sometimes, an operation may be dangerous or cause too much damage because of the size and position of the tumour. In these situations, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be given before an operation to shrink the tumour and make surgery easier.
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If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
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