The recent death of Farah Fawcett has sparked concerns and shed a spotlight on anal cancer. Farah Fawcett, once one-third of famous television trio Charlie’s Angels, has now put a face on Anal Cancer. There has been much support and push for awareness of Breast Cancer, but support for Anal and prostate cancer has been a rarity. 1 in 640 women are at the risk of being diagnosed with anal cancer.
So what is anal cancer? Symptoms of anal cancer include bloating and change in bowel habits, a lump near the anus, rectal bleeding, itching or discharge. Women may experience lower back pain due to pressure the tumor exerts on the vagina, and vaginal dryness.
Debbie Saslow a PhD, director of breast and gynecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Atlanta said, in an interview with webmd.com, that there is nothing that can be done to prevent anal cancer. There has been research into what really causes anal cancer and focusing on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HPV is a sexually linked infection which has been linked to both cervical and anal cancer. Therefore, it is thought that if there is people take vaccinations from HPV, there will be a lower risk of anal cancer. In addition to HPV infection, other anal cancer risk contributors include smoking, multiple sex partners, and having a weakened immune system.
People considered at high risk of getting anal cancer include transplant recipients, HIV-positive people, women who have had cervical cancer or vulvar cancer, and all sexually active homosexual men. Overall, there has been evidence suggesting an increase in anal cancer.
However, anal cancer sufferers need not despair. With treatment of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, cancer sufferers have a high chance of fully recovering from the disease. Like other cancers, patients have a higher chance of recovery if the disease is caught early. A simple rectal test, which requires the doctor to insert a gloved finger into the anus to check for lumps or growths, will help one catch the disease.
So what is anal cancer? Symptoms of anal cancer include bloating and change in bowel habits, a lump near the anus, rectal bleeding, itching or discharge. Women may experience lower back pain due to pressure the tumor exerts on the vagina, and vaginal dryness.
Debbie Saslow a PhD, director of breast and gynecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Atlanta said, in an interview with webmd.com, that there is nothing that can be done to prevent anal cancer. There has been research into what really causes anal cancer and focusing on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HPV is a sexually linked infection which has been linked to both cervical and anal cancer. Therefore, it is thought that if there is people take vaccinations from HPV, there will be a lower risk of anal cancer. In addition to HPV infection, other anal cancer risk contributors include smoking, multiple sex partners, and having a weakened immune system.
People considered at high risk of getting anal cancer include transplant recipients, HIV-positive people, women who have had cervical cancer or vulvar cancer, and all sexually active homosexual men. Overall, there has been evidence suggesting an increase in anal cancer.
However, anal cancer sufferers need not despair. With treatment of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, cancer sufferers have a high chance of fully recovering from the disease. Like other cancers, patients have a higher chance of recovery if the disease is caught early. A simple rectal test, which requires the doctor to insert a gloved finger into the anus to check for lumps or growths, will help one catch the disease.
1 comments:
Anal cancer said...
Cancer itself is a dangerous disease. Anal cancer is found in rare case. It affects to both male and female. Those who are consented to anal intercourse and with with depleted immune systems are more prone to this cancer. One should avoid smoking. If anyone observes symptoms of it, should consult doctor immediately.