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Anal cancer

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 the bottom
  • itching and pain around the anus
  • small lumps around and inside the bottom
  • a discharge of mucus from the 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.

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

Who is more likely to get 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

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 or vaginal 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.

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

Treatment 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.

Related links

Anal cancer

Symptoms

Causes

Tests and next steps

Treatment

Where to find help and support

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Anal Cancer

Anal Cancer treatment effects
Anal Cancer treatment effects
carola_100 profile image
carola_100
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

Hemorroid??

Or is this anal cancer?? Thank you for any advice
Or is this anal cancer?? Thank you for any advice
rmlski profile image
rmlski
in IBS Network

Why do I have mucus in my poop

I’m just so scared of colon, rectal Or anal Cancer
I’m just so scared of colon, rectal Or anal Cancer
Lj8403 profile image
Lj8403
in Colon Cancer Connected
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Hi y'all

Like some of you here, I"m an anal cancer survivor (out 15 years now), I'm 67 years old. In 2015 or 2016, after spending four days stuck in a NY apartment because of intense bowel distress from eating brown rice and an apple, I decided to research to see if I can find answers to my problems.
Like some of you here, I"m an anal cancer survivor (out 15 years now), I'm 67 years old. In 2015 or 2016, after spending four days stuck in a NY apartment because of intense bowel distress from eating brown rice and an apple, I decided to research to see if I can find answers to my problems.
Vailgirl profile image
Vailgirl
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

Treatments for Lymphoedema - Compression therapy

Colouredcob writes: Hi sorry to moan but just needed to get it out,I had anal cancer 5 years ago all clear now but it’s left me with problems constipation so having to find foods and movicol to keep me soft but also have ulcerative colitis ,this last year I’ve been having bladder problems infections
Colouredcob writes: Hi sorry to moan but just needed to get it out,I had anal cancer 5 years ago all clear now but it’s left me with problems constipation so having to find foods and movicol to keep me soft but also have ulcerative colitis ,this last year I’ve been having bladder problems infections
Sarah_PRDA profile image
Sarah_PRDA
Partnerin Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

Stop and/or contain diarrhea!

I get one every 3 years because of anal cancer in 2008. I want to add that the radiation I received in 2008 weakened my sphincter muscles so it's difficult if not impossible to contain diarrhea when it occurs. Thank you!
I get one every 3 years because of anal cancer in 2008. I want to add that the radiation I received in 2008 weakened my sphincter muscles so it's difficult if not impossible to contain diarrhea when it occurs. Thank you!
foodiewithIBS profile image
foodiewithIBS
in IBS Network

Top 10 List of Reasons To Welcome Prostate Cancer

probes” and the number one reason to welcome prostate cancer… 1) When your wife’s not in the mood, you can play with your own boobs
probes” and the number one reason to welcome prostate cancer… 1) When your wife’s not in the mood, you can play with your own boobs
Carlosbach profile image
Carlosbach
in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Post Menopausal Bleeding

Interested for future reference as i know these cancers are rare but ive had a HPV anal cancer before and would like to know if there are more signs to be aware of? Thanks
Interested for future reference as i know these cancers are rare but ive had a HPV anal cancer before and would like to know if there are more signs to be aware of? Thanks
Beelady profile image
Beelady
in Ask Eve

Hiv testing explaination

Hello so I recently had possible hiv exposure got tested rna pcr at 11 days and was negative thankfully got tested again at 59 days negative rna and now after starting prep I’m getting tested at my 3 month mark but I had questions regarding these test I understand these rna test can detect the earliest
Hello so I recently had possible hiv exposure got tested rna pcr at 11 days and was negative thankfully got tested again at 59 days negative rna and now after starting prep I’m getting tested at my 3 month mark but I had questions regarding these test I understand these rna test can detect the earliest
jeditroopz profile image
jeditroopz
in BASHH

No MRI results/still have bowel symptoms

Hi Everyone, I had an MRI to rule out deep endo on my bowels as I have bowel symptoms similar to IBS along with my endo symptoms. The gynae consultant said they would get in touch if they saw anything that required a multi-disciplinary team and I never heard anything about my results? I've come to
Hi Everyone, I had an MRI to rule out deep endo on my bowels as I have bowel symptoms similar to IBS along with my endo symptoms. The gynae consultant said they would get in touch if they saw anything that required a multi-disciplinary team and I never heard anything about my results? I've come to
sagexia profile image
sagexia
in Endometriosis UK

Delusions/Hallucinarions

I became very sick 5 years ago with all the symptoms of PA but was undiagnosed. I got to the point where I started having delusions of parasitosis and hallucinations. Has anyone else experienced delusions or halluconations? I'm afraid my brain may have been permanently damaged?
I became very sick 5 years ago with all the symptoms of PA but was undiagnosed. I got to the point where I started having delusions of parasitosis and hallucinations. Has anyone else experienced delusions or halluconations? I'm afraid my brain may have been permanently damaged?
sunshinebee profile image
sunshinebee
in Pernicious Anaemia Society

Rectal prolapse and pudendal nerve pain

I am new to this, I have a suspected mucosal prolapse (similar to rectal prolapse) in my bottom. The symptoms are horrible - a feeling of pressure inside my bottom and pudendal nerve pain all around my bottom. I am waiting for an ‘examination under anaesthetic’ for a confirmed diagnosis but in the meantime
I am new to this, I have a suspected mucosal prolapse (similar to rectal prolapse) in my bottom. The symptoms are horrible - a feeling of pressure inside my bottom and pudendal nerve pain all around my bottom. I am waiting for an ‘examination under anaesthetic’ for a confirmed diagnosis but in the meantime
Beautifultrees profile image
Beautifultrees
in Pelvic Pain Support Network

Lip biopsy

I would pose this question on the Sjogren’s forums but have not had much luck getting replies there and know many of you will have had this procedure done as part of your AI journeys, so hope you don’t mind if I pose it here. That’s a Louis Theroux documentary we need to see: AI journeys. My ENT doc
I would pose this question on the Sjogren’s forums but have not had much luck getting replies there and know many of you will have had this procedure done as part of your AI journeys, so hope you don’t mind if I pose it here. That’s a Louis Theroux documentary we need to see: AI journeys. My ENT doc
Geogeor profile image
Geogeor
in Thyroid UK

AMA negative but ANA positive

Hi there, I was diagnosed with PBC just over two years ago, which was such a shock to me me as I had no idea about this condition (only visited doctor for a routine check-up 😧!!) Have been on Urso ( 2 years) but my ALP and GGT are still high!! Had biopsy and fibroscan 10.1 Specialist says I am
Hi there, I was diagnosed with PBC just over two years ago, which was such a shock to me me as I had no idea about this condition (only visited doctor for a routine check-up 😧!!) Have been on Urso ( 2 years) but my ALP and GGT are still high!! Had biopsy and fibroscan 10.1 Specialist says I am
Liz_K profile image
Liz_K
in PBC Foundation

Feel lost

Hi all just looking for some advice if possible please. Has anyone had lupus diagnosed without a positive ana ? I have all the symptoms aside from swelling but the rheumatologist has now diagnosed fibromyalgia due to no positive ana. My liver enzymes have been raised since 2014 and I've been having symptoms
Hi all just looking for some advice if possible please. Has anyone had lupus diagnosed without a positive ana ? I have all the symptoms aside from swelling but the rheumatologist has now diagnosed fibromyalgia due to no positive ana. My liver enzymes have been raised since 2014 and I've been having symptoms
Haylz2109 profile image
Haylz2109
in LUPUS UK

Negative ANA Test

My ANA was negative but asking biopsy was positive for interface dermatitis ???? the skin doctor said possibly cutaneous lupus. Is it possible to have it on skin only and not in the blood?
My ANA was negative but asking biopsy was positive for interface dermatitis ???? the skin doctor said possibly cutaneous lupus. Is it possible to have it on skin only and not in the blood?
nicole3828 profile image
nicole3828
in LUPUS UK

What medication do people find most helps their lupus ? Can no longer take HCQ

I've given it a good try with the HCQ, no doubt it works as well, but for me with lupus brain damage, traumatic brain injury and a previous brain haemorrhage setting off seizures last year, as many of you know, the HCQ is unfortunately causing too many seizures by reducing my seizure threshold. After
I've given it a good try with the HCQ, no doubt it works as well, but for me with lupus brain damage, traumatic brain injury and a previous brain haemorrhage setting off seizures last year, as many of you know, the HCQ is unfortunately causing too many seizures by reducing my seizure threshold. After
LottieLou96 profile image
LottieLou96
in LUPUS UK

Malar rash diagnosis/confirmation

I am ANA positive plus Ds DNA (May be spelled wrong !) also pretty severe Raynauds. I also have what appears to be a Malar Rash.My Rheumy has referred me to dermatology but the wait time is incredibly long/ Have any of you sought a private Dermatologist ? I feel my treatment/care plan is at a standstill
I am ANA positive plus Ds DNA (May be spelled wrong !) also pretty severe Raynauds. I also have what appears to be a Malar Rash.My Rheumy has referred me to dermatology but the wait time is incredibly long/ Have any of you sought a private Dermatologist ? I feel my treatment/care plan is at a standstill
DottyLotty999 profile image
DottyLotty999
in LUPUS UK

could this be colon cancer?

Ofcourse I am now 44 years old and wondering if this could be a sign of colon cancer? I know it could also be hemmoridal or anal fissures, however I am not experiencing any pain or itching in my anus.
Ofcourse I am now 44 years old and wondering if this could be a sign of colon cancer? I know it could also be hemmoridal or anal fissures, however I am not experiencing any pain or itching in my anus.
hashu1 profile image
hashu1
in Colon Cancer Connected

Rectogesic

Greetings! I’ve been suffering from anal fissure, mainly due due to ulcerative colitis. Instead of the indicated 8 weeks I used the medication for at least 5 or 6 months on and off as it was the only thing helping. I’ve noticed a skin rash start to appear over different parts of my body and I was wondering
Greetings! I’ve been suffering from anal fissure, mainly due due to ulcerative colitis. Instead of the indicated 8 weeks I used the medication for at least 5 or 6 months on and off as it was the only thing helping. I’ve noticed a skin rash start to appear over different parts of my body and I was wondering
Ekspain profile image
Ekspain
in IBS Network
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