Cancer of the anus is considered rare when compared to other forms of cancer.
It’s estimated that 0.2% of people will be diagnosed with anal cancer in their lifetime.
However, the rate has been increasing by about 2% each year.
SDI Productions / iStock / Getty Images Plus
SDI Productions / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The anus is at the end of thedigestive tract.
It is the opening through which stool (poop) passes out of the body.
Learn more about the symptoms that can occur with anal cancer and why some groups are at greater risk.
Frequent Symptoms
There are severalsymptoms of anal cancer.
Some of them may occur earlier in the disease course than others.
Symptoms might depend on the exact location of the cancer and if a tumor has begun growing.
Ananal Pap smearmay also be used to confirm or rule out anal cancer.
This is why new symptoms in the anal area or with bowel movements should be discussed with a physician.
HIV-positive Status
People who have beendiagnosed with HIVare at greater risk of developing certain types of cancers.
Anal cancer is more common in those who areHIV positiveand this rate has been increasing in the United States.
Socioeconomic Status
The diagnosis and treatment of anal cancer is closely tied tosocioeconomic status.
When to See a Doctor
At first, the symptoms of anal cancer may not seem alarming.
For some, there may not be any symptoms at all.
However, it is important to get anal cancer diagnosed early.
The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance there is of having a good outcome.
Having signs and symptoms that suggest a problem in the anal area is a reason to see a doctor.
For some groups, anal cancer screening may be recommended.
There hasn’t been enough study done to make a broad recommendation for anal cancer screening.
This jot down of cancer is rare and therefore some aspects are under-studied.
There are a variety of reasons that this might happen.
The first, and most obvious, is that symptoms surrounding digestion and our bowel are difficult to discuss.
Some people are embarrassed to talk about bathroom problems, even with healthcare professionals.
There may also be stigma about digestion in certain cultures that makes getting a diagnosis more challenging.
Anal cancers may also be more likely to be found on an emergency basis than other types of cancers.
This is more common among older patients and those in certain socioeconomic groups.
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American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of anal cancer.
2019;8:7186-7196. doi:10.1002/cam4.2595
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