Types of cancer

Anal cancer

Trustworthy information about anal cancer, including diagnosis, treatment, side effects and wellbeing

Overview

The anus is the opening at the end of the bowel, where the body releases solid waste (poo). Anal cancer affects the tissues of the anus.

Most anal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), which start in the lining of the anus and are caused by infection with a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Most people don’t know they have an HPV infection as it usually doesn’t cause symptoms.

An anal cancer diagnosis can be a shock. Find helpful information in Just diagnosed, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.

Anal cancer fact sheet (PDF)

About this information

The information on this website is not medical, legal or financial advice. Always consult appropriate professionals about your specific situation. Full disclaimer.

Reviewers

This information was reviewed by:

Dr Glen Guerra, Colorectal Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and St Vincents Hospital Melbourne, VIC; Holly Davey, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland; Prof Peter Gibbs, Laboratory Head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, The University of Melbourne, Medical Oncologist, Western Hospital, VIC; A/Prof Ian Faragher, The University of Melbourne, Head of Colorectal and General Surgery Unit, Western Health, VIC; Justin Hargreaves, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre, VIC; Prof Richard Hillman, Senior Staff Specialist, HIV and Immunology, St Vincent's Health Network, Sydney, Conjoint Professor, St Vincent's Clinical Campus and The Kirby Institute, NSW; A/Prof George Hruby, Radiation Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, Visiting Radiation Oncologist, Genesiscare and Dubbo Base Hospital, NSW; Annie Jacobs, Consumer; Mariad O'Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Bankstown Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW; Terry Scully, Consumer.

We would also like to thank the health professionals and consumers who have worked on previous versions of this information.

View our editorial policy.

Understanding Anal Cancer

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What's in this fact sheet

About anal cancer

Read about types of anal cancer, who gets anal cancer, and which health professionals will look after your care.

Symptoms and risk factors

Certain types of HPV are a risk factor for anal cancer. Learn about anal cancer risk factors, the role of HPV vaccination, and symptoms such as bleeding or pain.

Diagnosis

The main tests for diagnosing anal cancer are a physical examination and an endoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera and light) with a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample).

Treatment

The most common treatment for anal cancer is chemoradiation (radiation therapy with chemotherapy). Surgery is used less often. Read about what side effects to expect.

Life after treatment

Find out about follow-up appointments and adjusting to life after treatment.

Questions to ask your doctor

It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about anal cancer care.

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