Surgery is the oldest treatment for cancer and, until recently, was the only treatment that could cure patients with solid organ cancer.  Advances in surgical techniques and a better understanding of biological behaviour of individual cancers have allowed surgeons to perform successful resections for an increasing number of patients.  Advances in allied specialties like Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiology & Imaging (including Nuclear Medicine) and Pathology & Laboratory medicine have made detection and control of even microscopic disease possible. They have also helped to reduce the magnitude of surgery necessary.  The surgeon, still, has a central role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliation and rehabilitation of the cancer patient.  With this knowledge in mind the Department of Surgical Oncology functions in the “Cancer Block” of our Hospital.