Anal cancer treatment
About treatment for anal cancer
The treatment you have for anal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and your general health. Your test results will help your doctor plan your treatment.
It is important to talk about your treatment options with your doctor. They can explain why they are suggesting a certain treatment plan and how the treatment may affect you. Your doctor and nurse can tell you about possible side effects and what can be done to manage them.
We understand that having treatment can be a difficult time for people. We're here to support you. If you want to talk, you can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
- Visit our anal cancer forum to talk with people who have been affected by anal cancer, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.
Chemoradiation
Chemotherapy
You may have chemotherapy on its own if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It may help to control the cancer and improve symptoms.
Radiotherapy
You may have radiotherapy on its own if you are not well enough to have chemoradiation.
Radiotherapy can also be used to help with symptoms if the cancer has spread.
Surgery
You may have surgery for anal cancer:
- after chemoradiation, if the chemoradiation does not get rid of all the cancer
- if the cancer comes back after chemoradiation
- to remove an early-stage anal cancer – but this will depend on the size of the tumour and where it is in the anus
- if you cannot have radiotherapy – this may be because you have had radiotherapy to the pelvis before
- before starting chemoradiation, to help with any symptoms.
Related pages
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our bowel cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
R Glynne-Jones, PJ Nilson, C Aschele et al. ESMO-ESSO-ESTRO Clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow up for anal cancer. July 2014. European Society of Medical Oncology. Available from www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Gastrointestinal-Cancers/Anal-Cancer (accessed October 2019).
National Institute for Health and Excellence (NICE). Colorectal cancer: diagnosis and management clinical guidelines. Updated December 2014. Available from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg131 (accessed October 2019).
Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPGBI). Volume 19. Issue S1. Guidelines for the management of cancer of the colon, rectum and anus. 2017. Available from www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14631318/19/S1 (accessed October 2019).
BMJ. Best practice colorectal cancer. Updated 2018. Available from www.bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/258 (accessed October 2019).
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Chief Medical Editor, Professor Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
Date reviewed
This content is currently being reviewed. New information will be coming soon.
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
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