Most types of colorectal cancer are treated with one or more of these:

• Surgery to remove the part of the colon or rectum that has cancer
• Chemotherapy, which is the medical term for medicines that destroy cancer cells or stop them from increasing.
• Radiation therapy

That depends on what type of surgery you have. If your doctor can reconnect your colon or rectum after removing the part with cancer, you should be able to have bowel movements normally. But if your doctor cannot reconnect your colon or rectum, he or she will create a hole in your belly and attach the end of the colon or a loop of intestine to that hole. The hole is called a “colostomy.” Your bowel movements will come out during the opening into a bag that is glued to your skin.

Some people need to have a colostomy only for a short time, called a “temporary colostomy or ileostomy.” Then they can have an additional surgery to reconnect their colon or rectum. Other people need to have a colostomy for the rest of their life. This is called a “permanent colostomy or ileostomy.” If you need a colostomy, your doctor will put you in touch with people who can help you learn how to manage.

After you finish treatment, you should see your doctor every so often for a few years. That technique he or she can check to see if the cancer comes back. You will probably have to have blood tests every so frequently, a few more colonoscopy tests and also a special kind of X-ray called a “CT scan.” Your doctor will also speak to you about your mood, stress level, sex life, eating and exercise routine, and any other problems you might have after finishing treatment.