Anal Cancer Symptoms, Screening and Diagnosis
Symptoms
Anal cancer symptoms may feel like common issues like a persistent itch in your anus, which may often lead to confusion and disregarding them. However, other symptoms may include:
- Rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements.
- A lump or mass (can appear at your anal opening).
- Leaking stool.
- Feeling like you constantly need to defecate.
- Seeing a change in your bowel movements, such as frequency or consistency of your stools (Sauter et al., 2016.).
Seeing and consulting with your doctor
It’s completely normal to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable discussing certain symptoms of anal cancer, like itchiness around the anus, with your healthcare provider. Remember, many factors can contribute to these symptoms, and there’s absolutely no reason to feel ashamed. Your healthcare providers are here to support you with all aspects of your health.
Literature
1. Sauter, M., Keilholz, G., Kranzbühler, H. et al. Presenting symptoms predict local staging of anal cancer: a retrospective analysis of 86 patients. BMC Gastroenterol 16, 46 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-016-0461-0