By reading this article and writing a practice profile, you can gain ten continuing education points (CEPs). You have up to a year to send in your practice profile and guidelines on how to write and submit a profile are featured after the continuing professional development article.

Surgery is the oldest form of treatment for patients with solid tumours. It is vital that nurses have a full understanding of why surgery is used and the biological basis of cancer that makes surgery effective. Understanding the specific needs of the individual undergoing surgery for cancer will help in planning and carrying out care for the surgical oncological patient.