Anal Cancer Facts

Anal cancer, or cancer of the anus, is a rare type of cancer that is slightly more common in women than men.  About 850 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year in the UK.

Although the cause is unknown, more than eight out of 10 people diagnosed with anal cancer have an human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.

The most common symptoms of anal cancer are pain and bleeding from the anus.

Outlook

The outlook for anal cancer depends on how advanced it is when you are diagnosed. About 6 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women will live for at least 5 years. These are overall figures and include all stages of anal cancer

·  Anal cancer is a disease where cancer cells develop in the tissues of the anus.

·  Risk factors include age over 50, humanpapillomavirus (HPV) infection, many sexual partners,  receptive anal sex, cigarette smoking, and frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness.

·  Signs and symptoms of anal cancer include anal bleeding, pain or pressure in the anal area, anal itching or discharge, lumps near the anus, and a change in bowel habits.

·  Diagnostic tests include a history and physical exam, digitalrectal exam, anoscopy, proctoscopy, ultrasound, and biopsy.

·  The cause(s) of anal cancer are not known, but researchers suggest that HPV infections, a  weakened immune system, and/or smoking may participate in causing anal cancer.

·  The following affect the prognosis of anal cancer: the size, location, and stage of the tumor; the  degree of spread to the lymph nodes; recurrence; and HIV status of the patient.

·  There are 5 stages of anal cancer (0 to IV, with IV as the most advanced); chestX-ray and MRI,   CT, and PET scans are used to help determine the stage.

·  Recurrent anal cancer is anal cancer that has returned after treatments.

·  Treatments for anal cancer may include radiation and/or chemotherapy and surgery; some patients    may qualify for clinical trials.

·  Treatment options vary for patients that have different stages of anal cancer as more advanced  stages usually require more aggressive treatments.

·  Recurrent anal cancer usually requires several types of aggressive treatments. See more  read Anal Cancer Facts