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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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28,694 public posts

Ongoing bowel problems

After 6.5 yrs post anal cancer treatment I am experiencing symptoms that are worsening. I cannot eat a complete meal and I have constant gas, bloating and bowel movements after I eat. I have to take immodium on a daily basis. I have also lost 9 lbs because I just can't tolerate food.
After 6.5 yrs post anal cancer treatment I am experiencing symptoms that are worsening. I cannot eat a complete meal and I have constant gas, bloating and bowel movements after I eat. I have to take immodium on a daily basis. I have also lost 9 lbs because I just can't tolerate food.
Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
2 months ago

Bone problems?

Had radiotherapy 16 years ago for anal cancer, am taking calcium and vitamin D as concerned about future hip arthritis, bone breakages. Am 66. Anyone else had experience of thinning bone density? Would like to prevent this. Many thanks.
Had radiotherapy 16 years ago for anal cancer, am taking calcium and vitamin D as concerned about future hip arthritis, bone breakages. Am 66. Anyone else had experience of thinning bone density? Would like to prevent this. Many thanks.
Bangersandmash profile image
Bangersandmash
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
7 months ago

Diverticular management

Back in 2020 a colonoscopy discovered a diverticular (a kind of pouch in the wall of my large intestine) during the diagnostic phase before I started chemo-radiotherapy for anal cancer. It’s been grumbling along since then, giving me occasional left sided discomfort.
Back in 2020 a colonoscopy discovered a diverticular (a kind of pouch in the wall of my large intestine) during the diagnostic phase before I started chemo-radiotherapy for anal cancer. It’s been grumbling along since then, giving me occasional left sided discomfort.
Warham profile image
Warham
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
5 months ago
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Masturbation

These are some of the common themes: reduce stress; improve muscle tone in the anal and pelvic areas; reduce the risk of prostate cancer; reduce menstrual cramps and muscle tension; improve self-esteem - and just a few of the sites: Masturbation: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Myths, FAQs (healthline.com
These are some of the common themes: reduce stress; improve muscle tone in the anal and pelvic areas; reduce the risk of prostate cancer; reduce menstrual cramps and muscle tension; improve self-esteem - and just a few of the sites: Masturbation: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Myths, FAQs (healthline.com
BarrySimpson profile image
BarrySimpson
in Sensitive Issues for Men
14 days ago

Bleeding and pain after colonoscopy and polypectomy

I'm an anal cancer survivor, 18 years out from treatment. I attend the PRDA online chats but haven't posted here before. In August I had a major PRD flare up, with large amounts of mucous and repeated bowel accidents. My GP referred me for a flexible sigmoidoscopy which found two polyps.
I'm an anal cancer survivor, 18 years out from treatment. I attend the PRDA online chats but haven't posted here before. In August I had a major PRD flare up, with large amounts of mucous and repeated bowel accidents. My GP referred me for a flexible sigmoidoscopy which found two polyps.
Bluegenie profile image
Bluegenie
in Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
8 months ago

Aging: Papers on diet, exercise, and caloric restriction effects on microbiome and epigenome

The following two articles were included in post by a member over at the HU CLLSupport site. (Thanks, Kwenda.) Both are review papers that look at the effects of diet and exercise on health outcomes. The second paper is much more technical in nature and is from researchers in Portugal. I'm including
The following two articles were included in post by a member over at the HU CLLSupport site. (Thanks, Kwenda.) Both are review papers that look at the effects of diet and exercise on health outcomes. The second paper is much more technical in nature and is from researchers in Portugal. I'm including
cujoe profile image
cujoe
in Fight Prostate Cancer
12 days ago

Ughh piles again

Why when I Google internal piles does it tell me they are painless?? The consequence of a flare up of IBS/D is usually some constipation and a struggle to go. This leaves me with piles and makes my bottom feel almost bruised, and like it's got something hot in there! In no way can they be considered
Why when I Google internal piles does it tell me they are painless?? The consequence of a flare up of IBS/D is usually some constipation and a struggle to go. This leaves me with piles and makes my bottom feel almost bruised, and like it's got something hot in there! In no way can they be considered
binks profile image
binks
in IBS Network
25 days ago

Fistula + Stage 4 Endo

Hi, I have ended up in urgent care due to a lump that keeps bleeding in my belly button. I had surgery in 2020 to help remove some of the endometriosis however since then I have always had a slight lump. I thought it was just healing however last couple of months its got bigger, darker and more painful
Hi, I have ended up in urgent care due to a lump that keeps bleeding in my belly button. I had surgery in 2020 to help remove some of the endometriosis however since then I have always had a slight lump. I thought it was just healing however last couple of months its got bigger, darker and more painful
MsTMP profile image
MsTMP
in Endometriosis UK
26 days ago

amino acids not recognised as essential in humans such as taurine play a role in fibromyalgia,

In this study, researchers measured the level of 20 amino acids (critical components of proteins). They found that overall levels of amino acids were lower in fibromyalgia and that seven amino acids were especially low, including taurine, alanine, tyrosine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, and threonine.The
In this study, researchers measured the level of 20 amino acids (critical components of proteins). They found that overall levels of amino acids were lower in fibromyalgia and that seven amino acids were especially low, including taurine, alanine, tyrosine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, and threonine.The
LawrenceT profile image
LawrenceT
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
1 month ago

Anal Cancer

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

Male Hypertonic Pelvic Floor & Nerve Pain on left side

Hi all - Just found this site, and hoping it can be an opportunity to learn. I have been dealing with a hypertonic pelvic floor and some nerve pain for about 2.5 years. I've tried physical therapy, medications, and have not found any relief. I met with Dr. Hibner down in AZ and he is strongly recommending
Hi all - Just found this site, and hoping it can be an opportunity to learn. I have been dealing with a hypertonic pelvic floor and some nerve pain for about 2.5 years. I've tried physical therapy, medications, and have not found any relief. I met with Dr. Hibner down in AZ and he is strongly recommending
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in Pelvic Pain Support Network
1 month ago

colon cleanse pills

hello everyone, anyone tried colon cleansing pills such as zupoo or colon cleanser plus? I’m thinking of trying to get some relief albeit I go, from constipation to diarrhea with my IBS condition. Thoughts on benefits and risks? I have to do something to get some type of relief it’s unbearable
hello everyone, anyone tried colon cleansing pills such as zupoo or colon cleanser plus? I’m thinking of trying to get some relief albeit I go, from constipation to diarrhea with my IBS condition. Thoughts on benefits and risks? I have to do something to get some type of relief it’s unbearable
GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969
in IBS Network
2 months ago

Intraepithelial lymphocytosis

My last endoscopy/colonoscopy showed intraepithelial lymphocytosis and metaplaysia of my stomach linings. Any of you experience this?
My last endoscopy/colonoscopy showed intraepithelial lymphocytosis and metaplaysia of my stomach linings. Any of you experience this?
Tigerlilly81 profile image
Tigerlilly81
in IBS Network
2 months ago

unending anal pressure

hello, looking for ideas to solve this ongoing problem. I appreciate your help and feedback in advance. I (24M) have never really had any problems with my digestive system my whole life, but this issue of constant anal pressure has slowly progressed over the past few months. It feels like I need to
hello, looking for ideas to solve this ongoing problem. I appreciate your help and feedback in advance. I (24M) have never really had any problems with my digestive system my whole life, but this issue of constant anal pressure has slowly progressed over the past few months. It feels like I need to
Edeske profile image
Edeske
in IBS Network
2 months ago

Degenerative disc disease

Hiya everyone,hope you're all doing OK?I wrote a post a little while back regarding my spine and hip pain. Another mri later shows degenerative disc disease,it hasn't really been explained to me very well,does anyone else suffer with this,is it another fibro relative?one thing after another isn't it.Thankyou
Hiya everyone,hope you're all doing OK?I wrote a post a little while back regarding my spine and hip pain. Another mri later shows degenerative disc disease,it hasn't really been explained to me very well,does anyone else suffer with this,is it another fibro relative?one thing after another isn't it.Thankyou
Socialbutterfly00 profile image
Socialbutterfly00
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
2 months ago

bubbling feeling, feeling of fluid moving

See title - is this normal? Have started with thigh swelling following radical hysterectomy and pelvic surgery- feel like fluid trickling in legs but also around buttocks and feeling very scared. It is now the weekend so no help available. Had an mld the other day. Been complaining of burning and nerve
See title - is this normal? Have started with thigh swelling following radical hysterectomy and pelvic surgery- feel like fluid trickling in legs but also around buttocks and feeling very scared. It is now the weekend so no help available. Had an mld the other day. Been complaining of burning and nerve
Rosado22 profile image
Rosado22
in LSN
2 months ago

Does anyone have severe (Grade 3 or 4) internal prolapsed and thrombosed hemorrhoids and told you need a hemmoroidectomy?

Sorry for the sensitivity of the subject..but can anyone relate? They say that one in three people develop hemorrhoids especially as one ages and they grow more severe. I want mine done with a laser as it is not such a painful long recovery. I'm also afraid of incontinence and long term recovery. Since
Sorry for the sensitivity of the subject..but can anyone relate? They say that one in three people develop hemorrhoids especially as one ages and they grow more severe. I want mine done with a laser as it is not such a painful long recovery. I'm also afraid of incontinence and long term recovery. Since
Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5
in IBS Network
3 months ago

Delta Gold & Docetaxel

New cell study from Italy [1]. The failed SELECT study shows the danger of relying on alpha tocopherol as a vitamin E supplement.  The eight isoforms compete for uptake.  Supplement with one & you may drive down levels of another. PCa research suggests that gamma tocotrienol is the isoform with the
New cell study from Italy [1]. The failed SELECT study shows the danger of relying on alpha tocopherol as a vitamin E supplement.  The eight isoforms compete for uptake.  Supplement with one & you may drive down levels of another. PCa research suggests that gamma tocotrienol is the isoform with the
pjoshea13 profile image
pjoshea13
in Fight Prostate Cancer
3 months ago

Constipation after chemo

Can anyone please advise how they dealt with the constipation. My first chemo last week and I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it! I ended up in hospital with faecal impaction. Ended up having an enema! Nurse called it a poobabie! Any advice would be very much appreciated xxx
Can anyone please advise how they dealt with the constipation. My first chemo last week and I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it! I ended up in hospital with faecal impaction. Ended up having an enema! Nurse called it a poobabie! Any advice would be very much appreciated xxx
Bunnyj profile image
Bunnyj
in My Ovacome
3 months ago

MS or Lupus

Hi All This is my first post and I appreciate that you may not have the answers just looking for guidance. I was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis in February and was put on short intensive steroids in March sleep deprivation the worst! but sight hasn’t fully and won’t fully return. Ophthalmology thought
Hi All This is my first post and I appreciate that you may not have the answers just looking for guidance. I was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis in February and was put on short intensive steroids in March sleep deprivation the worst! but sight hasn’t fully and won’t fully return. Ophthalmology thought
Gossygirl76 profile image
Gossygirl76
in LUPUS UK
18 days ago
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