Surgery:

Chances of removal of the cancerous part arc good with surgery, depending upon the extent to which the cancer has spread. If it is confined to the inner lining of the colon (stage I), the chances of cure are excellent. If it has spread in the muscular wall of the colon, the chances are fair. But if the cancer has spread into the lymph glands draining from the area of cancer, then even in spite of the removal of the involved lymph glands, the chances of cure arc diminished.

If the cancer involves the rectum then after removal of the involved part, instead of connecting the normal colon with the anus, the surgeon opens the end of the normal colon on to the abdomen. The faecal matter collects in a bag tied over the opening and is removed and cleaned periodically. This procedure is called colostomy. It is inconvenient but the patient gets used to it.

Radiation:

If the cancer is in the sigmoid colon or the rectum and gone on to stage II or ill, then radiation before or after surgery, is hclpful, in lessening the chances of relapse.

Chemotherapy:

About 20 per cent of the patients respond to S-Fluorouracil. The drug does not cause much of side-effects. This drug is also used if secondaries of the cancer have developed in other parts of the body.