WHAT IS ANAL CANCER 

Anal cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal which is a short tube at the end of your rectum through which stool leaves the body.

Causes

1. Anal cancer is closely related to a sexually transmitted infection, human papillomavirus (HPV) and is thought to be the most common cause of anal cancers

2. Age-factor : Most cases of anal cancer may occur in people < 50. 

3. People who engage with many sexual partners over their lifetime run a heavy risk 

4.  People with preference for anal sex too are at increased risk of anal cancer.

5. Smoking  too increases its risk

6. People with history of cancer like the ones who have had cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer have an increased risk of contracting anal cancer.

7. People on certain immunosuppressive drugs, people who  have received organ transplants, may have an increased risk of anal cancer. HIV  positive too increases the risk of anal cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANAL CANCER 

• Anal or Rectum Bleeding 

• Anal Pain 

• Mass or growth in anal canal

• Anal itching

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosis

1. Digital and Visual Rectal Examination through anoscope, ultrasound, laboratory testing with biopsy

2. In case you are diagnosed with anal cancer, your doctor may recommend few more tests 

like CT, MRI, PET Scan to determine whether the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or to other areas of your body 

Treatment 

1. Most people with anal cancer are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Though this combined treatment increases the chance of a cure, it also increases the risk of side effects.

2. Doctors typically may use surgical procedures like AP resection to remove anal cancer based on the stage of the cancer. 

3. Palliative care and Alternative therapy can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments  such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy as it makes the patient feel better and live longer.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As  a prevention, practicing safe sex may help prevent HPV and HIV, two sexually transmitted viruses that increase your risk of anal cancer. Possibly, get vaccinated against HPV and quit smoking as that increases your risk of anal cancer.