Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Rectal bleeding that is unexplained or persistent.
• Unexplained pain around the anus or rectum.
• Lumps or masses near the anus.
• Changes in bowel habits that last for more than a few weeks.
• Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so don't delay seeing a doctor if you notice these symptoms.

 Do's:

• Follow treatment plans: Complete all prescribed treatments, even if you feel better.
• Attend follow-up appointments: Regular monitoring after treatment is essential to catch any recurrence early.
• Practice healthy habits: Quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
• Manage side effects: Talk to your doctor about managing pain, fatigue, or other side effects from treatment.

 Don'ts:

• Don't ignore symptoms: Early symptoms of anal cancer can be mistaken for other conditions, but it's better to get them checked.
• Avoid risky behaviors: Practice safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
• Don't skip screenings: Regular medical check-ups and HPV screenings are essential, especially if you're at higher risk.
• Don't avoid discussing sensitive issues: Talking openly with your doctor about symptoms like bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel habits is critical for early diagnosis.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

National Cancer Institute | Anal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version

American Cancer Society | What Is Anal Cancer?

MedlinePlus | Anal cancer

NHS | Anal cancer

NLM | Anal Cancer