Introduction

Anal cancer, or cancer of the anus, is a rare type of cancer that is slightly more common in women than men.

Although the cause is unknown, more than eight out of 10 people diagnosed with anal cancer have a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.

The most common symptoms of anal cancer are pain and bleeding from the anus. 

Outlook

The outlook for anal cancer depends on how advanced it is when you are diagnosed. About 6 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women will live for at least 5 years. These are overall figures and include all stages of anal cancer.

 

What is cancer?

The body is made up of millions of different types of cells. Cancer happens when some of the cells multiply in an abnormal way. When cancer affects organs and solid tissues, it causes a growth called a tumour to form. Cancer can occur in any part of the body where the cells multiply abnormally.



Last updated on: 16 / 02 / 2012