Anal Cancer Resources
Anal Cancer Resources
Anal cancer is relatively rare, but cases have been steadily rising over the last several decades. Awareness and early detection are key to improving outcomes.
Annual Estimates: For 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates approximately 10,540 new cases of anal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. (about 3,470 in men and 7,070 in women).
Demographics: It is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men and is most frequently found in adults over the age of 60.
Survival Rates: When caught early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is approximately 83%. This underscores the importance of recognizing early warning signs.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of anal cancer can often be mistaken for more common, benign conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures. However, if you experience any of the following, it is important to consult a healthcare professional:
Minor Bleeding: Often the first sign, usually noticed on toilet paper or in the stool.
Pain or Pressure: A feeling of fullness or pain in the anal area.
Lumps or Masses: A growth or lump near the anal opening.
Changes in Bowel Habits: Narrowing of stools or more frequent/urgent movements.
Itching or Discharge: Persistent itching or unusual mucus discharge.
Note: Many people with anal cancer have no symptoms at all in the early stages, which is why regular checkups are vital.
Choose Hope has pulled together a variety of resources related to anal cancer. This by no means represents all the resources available but is just a small selection that you may find helpful.
General Resources
cancer.net is linked to the (ASCO®) American Society of Clinical Oncology. The ASCO® is a professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer. Their Vision is a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.
Cancer.net is a source of comprehensive information provided by the ASCO for people with cancer, families and caregivers. We may only be providing links to specific pages, but the cancer.net website offers a wide variety of data and resources that you may find useful as you navigate the cancer journey.
The American Cancer Society has a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. They work to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, research and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
We may only be providing links to specific pages, but the cancer.org website offers a wide variety of data and resources that you may find useful as you navigate the cancer journey.
Cancer.gov is the central website for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the U.S. government’s principal agency for cancer research. NCI is mandated by U.S. law to disseminate information about cancer and cancer research. The information provided is science-based, authoritative and up-to-date. Medical experts, cancer researchers and editors review the content before it is published.
We may only be providing links to specific pages, but the cancer.gov website offers a wide variety of data and resources that you may find useful as you navigate the cancer journey.
Support Groups and Additional Resources
There are many non-profits, hospitals and care centers around the world that provide excellent information and care. While the links below only represent a small selection, we found their websites to contain some great information.
International Anal Cancer Resources
There are many resources available outside of the United States, these links are to just a few.
Disclaimer
D&E Printing Company, Inc (“Choose Hope”) does not provide medical services or advice. Choose Hope does not diagnose or treat disease; nor do its goods or services replace those of any licensed professional.
CANCER IS A MEDICAL ISSUE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSULT A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN BEFORE MAKING ANY MEDICAL DECISION.
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