The most common treatment for anal cancer is chemoradiation, but surgery is sometimes also used. Read on to learn more about these treatments, and tips on making treatment decisions.
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Overview
Because anal cancer is rare, you may want to talk to your doctor about being referred to a specialist treatment centre with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) that regularly manages this cancer.
The MDT will work out the best treatment, depending on the type and location of the cancer; if the cancer has spread; your health; and your own preferences. You may also want to get a second opinion from another specialist team to confirm or explain the treatment options.
Understanding the disease, the available treatments, possible side effects and any extra costs can help you weigh up the treatment options and make a well-informed decision.
Most anal cancers are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which is known as chemoradiation or chemoradiotherapy. Surgery may also be used in some cases.
If you have to travel for treatment, there may be a program in your state or territory to refund some of the travel and accommodation costs. For more information, talk to your doctor, nurse or hospital social worker, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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Dr Chip Farmer, Colorectal Surgeon, The Alfred, The Avenue and Cabrini Hospitals, VIC; Tara Faure, Lower GI Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Debra Furniss, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Max Niggl, Consumer; Julie O’Rourke, CNC Radiation Oncology, Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, Canberra Health Services ACT; Dr Satish Warrier, Colorectal Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
