Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is cancer of the anus, which is connected to the end of the large intestine. Types include squamous cell carcinoma, clonogenic carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and certain skin cancers. Just over 6,000 new cases of anal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate for anal cancer differs for men and women: for men, it is approximately 60%; for women, it is above 70%. There are several risk factors for developing anal cancer: smoking, a large number of sexual partners, and anal intercourse. Individuals who are female, over 50, and have been infected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are also at higher risk. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, lumps; itching or unusual discharge from the anus, and change in bowel habits. The stages of anal cancer range from zero to IV, depending on tumor size and spread. Anal cancer treatments usually include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.