Experiences with
Anal cancer

SymptomsMedical treatmentsCauses

Symptoms of anal cancer include bleeding, discharge, lumps and itching inside and outside the anus.

Anal cancer can usually be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, depending on the size of the cancer and how far it has spread.

Most anal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus you can get from sex or skin-to-skin contact of the genital area.

Main symptoms of anal cancer

Symptoms of anal cancer can include:

bleeding from your bottom
itching and pain around your anus
small lumps around and inside your bottom
a discharge of mucus from your bottom
having problems controlling when you poo (bowel incontinence)
needing to poo often with looser, runnier poos

Anal cancer may have no symptoms at all, or they might be hard to spot.

Anal cancer symptoms are often similar to piles (haemorrhoids) and anal fissures, which are common and less serious conditions.

you have symptoms of anal cancer
you notice a change around your anus that is not normal for you

Main cause of anal cancer

Most anal cancers are caused by an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can get HPV from:

any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
vaginal, anal or oral sex
sharing sex toys

Who is more likely to get anal cancer

Anal cancer is rare. Most people affected by HPV will not develop cancer.

You may be more likely to get anal cancer if you:

have anal sex
are over the age of 75
smoke
have had cervical, vaginal or vulval cancer
have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or an organ transplant

How to reduce your risk of getting anal cancer

You cannot always prevent anal cancer. HPV vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against anal cancer.

All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, as well as genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is also recommended for other groups at higher risk of getting HPV, including:

men aged 45 years old and under who have sex with men
trans men and trans women aged 45 years old and under if their risk of getting HPV is the same as men who have sex with men
sex workers
people with HIV

There are also healthy changes you can make to lower your chances of getting anal cancer.

use a condom when having sex to lower your chances of getting HPV
keep sex toys clean and do not share them
try to quit smoking

Main tests for anal cancer

You might have some tests and scans to check for anal cancer if a GP refers you to a specialist.

The tests you have will depend on your symptoms.

The tests may include:

putting a thin tube with a camera and light into your bottom to check for any changes
taking a small sample from your anus (biopsy) so it can be looked at in a laboratory under a microscope
blood tests

Main treatments for anal cancer

Anal cancer is often treatable when found early.

The treatment you have for anal cancer will depend on:

the size of the cancer
where it is
if it has spread
your general health

The main treatment for anal cancer is a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, called chemoradiation (or chemoradiotherapy).

Other treatments include chemotherapy or radiotherapy on their own, and surgery.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
help you manage any side effects, including any changes to your diet

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about anal cancer.