The importance of preoperative anesthetic evaluation in a cancer patient is indispensable. Enables the anesthesiologist and surgical team to realize whether the clinical status can be optimized or if a specific perioperative approach is required. However, with proper evaluation, the goal of prompt surgical therapy should be kept in mind. In cancer patients, the diagnostic approach is not far from the usual preoperative evaluation performed on any surgical patient, which focuses on medical comorbidities and current functional capacity. Nevertheless, in these patients, it becomes relevant to recognize the mass anatomical location, the compromise of adjacent structures, and the mass effects that the tumor may be causing. Also, it is essential to assess the nutritional status and patients’ metabolic or neurohormonal consequences. On the other hand, the oncological disease itself or its associated therapies may trigger secondary organic repercussions that impact anesthetic management and perioperative care. All of which deserves meticulous surgical planning. Acknowledging these factors will enable us to face cancer surgery better, understand and reduce perioperative risks, and promote accelerated recovery.