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Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the area around your anus. It’s not as well-known as other types of cancer, like breast or prostate cancer, but it’s just as serious. Anal cancer can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often confused with other conditions. But with the right information and awareness, you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease. Anal cancer is uncommon and represents only 1% of all cancers diagnosed in men and women combined. Although it's not common, if detected early, anal cancer has a high survival rate. If caught later, however, treatment becomes more difficult and the outlook worsens. If you have any of these signs or risk factors for anal cancer, see your doctor immediately.
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What are the symptoms of anal cancer?
The symptoms of anal cancer are similar to those of other conditions. It's important to know that there are other conditions that can cause anal symptoms as well. On the outside, symptoms may include a growth or a sore on the skin around the anus, bleeding or a change in the colour of the skin around the anus. Anal pain or problems with bowel movements can also be symptoms of anal cancer. Anal bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of anal cancer. In fact, it's one of the first symptoms that people with anal cancer report. It can be either bright red blood or a blood that's dark and tarry-looking. Most often, the bleeding happens in small amounts and doesn't require a trip to the doctor. Anal itching is another symptom that can be caused by anal cancer. Your doctor might mistake the itching for a skin condition or allergies and prescribe an anti-itch cream. If the itching doesn't get better after a week or so, you should return to the doctor so they can rule out anal cancer.
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Risk factors for anal cancer
In addition to the risk factors for anal cancer listed below, it's also important to know that there are also risk factors for poor outcomes in anal cancer. Having a high-risk HPV infection increases the risk of developing anal cancer. This virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, so condoms aren't always effective at preventing transmission. Smoking and alcohol use increase the risk of anal cancer, as well as the chance that it will be diagnosed at a later stage. Having a weakened immune system due to certain diseases or treatment regimens. Having a severely narrowed or blocked anal passage due to anal muscle spasms or anal fissures.
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Anal cancer prevention
To lower your risk of anal cancer: Practise safe sex - Use a latex condom during intercourse to lower your risk of being infected with HPV. A condom can also protect you and your partner from other sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea that can increase your risk of anal cancer. Get screened - If you are at a high risk of anal cancer, you should get screened for it. Doctors recommend anal Pap smears every year if you're over the age of 45 years old. If you are at a high risk of anal cancer, you may need to be tested more frequently. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use - Both can cause serious health problems, and excessive alcohol use can lead to anal fissures, which can increase the risk of anal cancer. Get vaccinated - The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with the strains of HPV that are responsible for most cases of anal cancer.
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Diagnosing Anal Cancer
When you visit your doctor about anal bleeding, itching, or pain, the doctor will likely do a physical exam of your anus and lower abdomen. They may also take a sample of a tissue or blood sample from the area and test it. This may not be enough to diagnose anal cancer. They may recommend a colposcopy or anoscopy. Anal Pap smear Anal swab Anal biopsy Colposcopy
Treating Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is treated on a case-by-case basis. You and your doctor will decide the best course of action. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: If the cancer is in an early stage, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumour. Unfortunately, some cancers are not detectable until they've already spread, and surgery may not be an option.
- Radiation therapy: If surgery isn't an option, radiation therapy can help reduce the risk of cancer coming back. It may also be used as a first line of treatment before surgery.
- Chemotherapy: This type of cancer treatment may be used in certain cases to destroy the tumour. Immunotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to stimulate the body's immune system to fight the cancer.
Final Words
Anal cancer is a very serious disease that can lead to permanent bodily damage and, in some cases, death. While it is uncommon, and most people will never develop this cancer, it's important to know the symptoms and risk factors so you can get help as soon as possible. By knowing what to watch out for and getting regular screenings, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious disease.
Reference:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/anal-cancer/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354140
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/anal/anal-cancer-causes-risk-factors%3famp