Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Is Surgery Curative?

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about one of the most common and deadly cancers. More than 53,000 people in the United States died due to colorectal cancer in 2024. 

Early detection and effective treatment strategies improve the outcomes of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Surgery is often the primary treatment for many people diagnosed — but is it curative? 

Our team at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, wants you to understand the role surgery plays in treating colorectal cancer and when it may lead to a complete cure.

Surgery as a colorectal cancer treatment

Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer, usually with the goal of curing the disease. The type of surgery we recommend depends on the tumor's location, size, and stage. 

Some of the most common surgical procedures include:

Polypectomy and local excision 

For very early-stage cancers (Stage 0 or I) confined to a polyp, we may find that removal during a colonoscopy is enough.

Colectomy

For larger tumors, our team may remove a section of the colon or rectum along with nearby lymph nodes to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery

Minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted surgery require small incisions, causing less tissue damage and bleeding. These advanced surgical techniques improve recovery time and reduce complications. 

When surgery is a “cure” for colorectal cancer

Surgery can be curative if colorectal cancer is detected early before it has spread beyond the colon or rectum. In cases where the cancer is localized (Stage I-III), removing the tumor and affected lymph nodes may eliminate the disease entirely. 

Surgery’s effectiveness is dependent on:

Cancer stage at diagnosis

The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the higher the chances of a successful surgical cure. Stage I patients have a five-year survival rate of over 90% post-surgery.

Clear surgical margins

If the surgeon removes all cancerous tissue with no cancer cells left at the margins, the likelihood of recurrence is lower.

Lymph node involvement

If cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Stage III), additional treatments like chemotherapy are usually required to target residual cancer cells and improve outcomes.

Surgery and advanced-stage colorectal cancer

For Stage IV colorectal cancer, where the disease has metastasized to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs, surgery alone is typically not curative. However, surgical intervention may still be beneficial.

We may recommend palliative surgery to relieve symptoms like obstruction or bleeding when a cure is not possible. In some cases, if the cancer has spread to only a few sites, surgery combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapies may improve survival rates.

Often, surgery is just one part of a multi-factored treatment plan. Depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer,  we may recommend additional therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. 

The importance of early detection

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, can detect precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk begin screenings at age 45, while those with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier.

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, be proactive and schedule a screening. You can also learn about risk factors and discuss any concerns with our team. Awareness and early action can save lives.

At Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, we’re here to support your colorectal health. Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.