The Anal Cancer Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like a diagnosis of anal cancer, you are not alone.  Countless men and women have faced the exact same diagnosis and have survived and thrived.  The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other cancer patients when they faced the same challenge.  

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best anal cancer resources: articles, blogs, forums and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of physical, emotional and other challenges you’re facing.

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this Anal Cancer Guide even more helpful to survivors like you.   

JUST FOUND OUT 

Survivors Say: Best Resources for a Diagnosis of Anal Cancer

• What is Anal Cancer?  The American Cancer Society provides a comprehensive over-view of anal cancer.  If you are still in the research stage this is an excellent place to begin.   
• Anal Cancer: The basics  Learn about the causes of anal cancer and signs that you could be at risk, as well as preventions, diagnosis treatment options.
• General Information About Anal Cancer  Basic information about anal cancer provided by The National Cancer Institute.

The Big Picture

Anal cancer affects approximately 4,000 individuals each year and the number appears to be increasing.  Fortunately anal cancer is relatively easy to detect in most cases, and there are even tests for people at high risk for anal cancer that can detect signs of the disease before the cancer actually develops.

Not all cases of anal cancer exhibit symptoms, but in most cases symptoms include bleeding, itching or pain in the rectum, change in the diameter of the stool, abnormal discharge from the anus or swollen lymph glands around the anus or in the groin area.

Another possible sign of cancer of the anus are Condylomas.  These are wart-like growth around the anus. While condylomas themselves are not cancerous, they are often a seen as a warning sign that a cancer may develop.

To better understand the most common signs and symptoms of anal cancer, be sure to visit:

Signs and Symptoms of Anal Cancer

Your Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is an uncommon form of cancer, but this fact does little to comfort those who have it. Risk factors include contracting human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking, and having multiple sex partners.  People with HIV and a weakened immune system are also more susceptible.  

Is It Possible to Prevent Anal Cancer?

There are a large number of treatments open to those suffering from anal cancer, everything from surgery to chemo and radiation treatments plus many others.  Learn what your treatment options are from the American Cancer Society:

Treatment Options by Stage of Cancer

Your World

You would almost have to be made of stone not to feel a flood of emotions once you hear the diagnosis of anal cancer.  This is perfectly normal.  Talk with your loved ones and reach out to support centers during the initial stages of your journey. For advice on dealing with the tangled web of emotions you may be going through, visit

Dealing With Emotions: How to Know When You Need Help

It’s sometimes difficult to put everything into perspective and get a clear handle on everything that has suddenly changed in your life. Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about anal cancer:

Frequently Asked Question About Anal Cancer

Anal Cancer Myths

There is no real organization for dealing with anal cancer – but there should be. Perhaps this is the greatest anal cancer “myth” of them all.  No organization Exists for Helping Many Anal Cancer Sufferers

Information and Recommended Links for Survivors:

• Find out what the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons has to say about anal cancer and its treatment.  ASCRS Report
• The latest information regarding treatments for anal cancer.  Anal Cancer Treatments
• Alternative treatments for anal cancer – you may have to seek them elsewhere. Alternative Treatments

Types of Treatment

There are three main types of primary anal cancer treatments: radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

• Detailed Guide of Anal Cancer Radiation Therapy
• What You Should Know About Chemotherapy
• Surgery Is No Longer The Preferred Treatment

Possible Treatment Side Effects

Each of the three primary treatments for anal cancer – radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery – has its own risks and possible side effects.

Radiation treatments can cause blistering of the skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, possible loss of hair, diarrhea or constipation.

Possible Side Effects of Radiation Treatments

Chemotherapy can cause an increase in the possibility of infections, hair loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores and diarrhea.

Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy

The majority of anal cancer patients do not receive surgery since the cancer tumors are usually controllable with chemotherapy.

Anal Cancer Surgery Survivor

Creating a support circle

• Set up your TSC Survivor Profile
• Join support groups of other survivors or set up your own
• Interact and provide updates on your profile or our forums.
  

Insurance & Work Matters

Insurance Matters

Regardless of what type of cancer you have, your health insurance should cover all or most of your expenses. Problems arise if you try to buy health insurance after you have a diagnosis of anal cancer.  For more information on types of insurance and the coverage you might need, see:

Medical Insurance and Other Financial Options

Work Matters

Employers may not ask a job applicant any specific questions regarding illnesses the applicant is currently being treated for or any past illnesses, including cancers.  For a list of specific questions and answers regarding cancer in the workplace please see:

Cancer in the Workplace – Question & Answers

Health-care Providers Who Can Help

Which health care provider you choose may depend on which stage your anal cancer is in.  Keep in mind that most doctors no longer favor surgery as a primary option except under certain conditions.  If you are not comfortable with the treatment plan your doctor has outlined for you, consider getting a second opinion.

How To Choose a Doctor

The Emotional Roller-coaster

Your chances of surviving anal cancer are quite good, especially if the cancer is detected early.  However, the emotional rollercoaster you may find yourself on during your diagnosis and treatment can still be rather devastating. Understand that you are not alone.  Literally millions of people in this country are in the same boat.  Many cancer sufferers break down under the stress of battling this disease. If you are feeling overwhelmed then it is vital that you start to break the patterns that define you as a victim. Live your life normally, participating in the same daily activities you've always done. Support groups are also important to maintaining a healthy emotional state. Other than that, educating yourself on the reality of your condition as well as exposing yourself to books and stories written by those who have dealt with cancer in their past can help give you and your loved ones hope while dealing with this crisis.

Books Survivors Recommend

• 50 Essential Things to do When Your Doctor Says It’s Cancer
• Anal Cancer: a 3-in-1 Medical Reference Source
• The Official Patient’s Source Book on Anal Cancer
  

Communicating with Your Health-care providers

Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments. They are not only there to provide support but to lend an extra ear and to possibly ask questions you may not have thought of at the time.

Don't be afraid to ask any questions you feel you need the answer to, even if you may be scared of the answer. Ignorance is not your friend when you’re battling cancer.

Write down any questions you may have ahead of time and the answers to those questions as your health-care provider walks you through them.  Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on anything.

Checklist to Take to Your Doctor’s Appointment

Getting the Most From Your Doctor’s Appointment

Dealing With Anal Cancer: Information and Recommended Links for Co-Survivors:      

How you can help

• Be there for your friend or family member.  Let them know you care, that you still love them and that you are 100% behind their efforts to cure their condition.
• Maintain a normal daily routine as much as possible.  Allow the patient to make as many decisions as possible concerning his or her treatment.
• Involve your friend or family member with others. Don't focus exclusively on their disease and treatment plan. A cancer patient who is involved with others has a better chance of avoiding feelings of abandonment.
  

What to say   

• "I will support your decision in whichever treatment option you choose."
• "Do you want to talk about it?"
• Tell them how much you care about them.
  

What not to say

• "Don't worry, we'll find a way to make this all go away."
• "We'll see every cancer doctor in the country and spend as much money as it will take to get you well."
• "I’ll handle everything; you just leave everything to me."
  

Things you can do for a survivor every day

Offer day-to-day support if possible. If the patient isn't a family member, help out when they are away by picking up the mail or newspaper, making meals, going grocery shopping, etc. If the cancer survivor is a family member, help out with chores or other duties they may have fallen behind on. Help them get their life back on track – and then step back and allow them to get on with their lives.

How to build a support network

• Set up your TSC Co-Survivor Profile
• Create a support group for your friend or family member.
• Interact and provide updates
  

How to help a recovering addict deal with day-to-day challenges

• Coping With Cancer in Everyday Life
• What Happens After Treatment?

Oftentimes anal cancer can actually be cured with a variety of treatment options. Passing a 5-year cancer-free milestone is often akin to a clean bill of health – although it must be pointed out that someone who has suffered anal cancer once is more susceptible to getting a new (not recurring) infection.

There is a great deal you can do at this point.  By telling your story you can not only put into perspective your thoughts and feelings but you can provide hope to others who are going through a similar journey themselves, whether it be with anal cancer or another form of cancer.

Remission / Recovery / Recurrence     

While there is always the possibility of recurrence, treatments for anal cancer have some of the highest success rates when it comes to curing this dreaded disease, in part because if caught early the disease is confined to a relatively small area. 

Recurrence is a possibility, and that sword hangs over every recovered cancer patient.  There is also the possibility of an entirely new outbreak of cancer in the same area – doctors are still not certain why this is true. Your best bet is to do whatever you can to avoid activities such as smoking and anal sex which are know to contribute to anal cancer.
 
While a relapse is not common, it is possible.  This is especially true for those patients who are HIV positive.

Anal Cancer Bad News For HIV Positive Gay Men

Give back


What helped you while you were dealing with your anal cancer diagnosis? Take a look back at your journey and share with others what helped you and what you wished you would have known/done during your cancer experience. You can create a profile, reach out to other survivors, join support circles or share your story by following the links at TheSurvivorsClub.org.

There are few, if any, charities that are aimed specifically at providing for the needs of anal cancer patients, but at Charity Navigator you can find the best (and the worst) charities for a wide range of cancers:

Charity Navigator

What can you do when you find out your treatment for anal cancer has failed or that you have relapsed? Many people simply refuse to deal with the possible consequences.  If you find out that your treatment has not taken effect it's important for you to understand what the consequences can be:

Consequences of Anal Cancer