Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal. The anal canal is the short tube-like section that connects the end of the rectum to the anus. However, anal cancer develops when healthy cells in this canal undergo genetic and environmental changes, transforming into abnormal cancer cells. While normal healthy cells grow, multiply, and die, abnormal cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and do not die. As these cells multiply, they form a tumor. The cancer cells present here have a high risk of spreading to different parts of the body.

Common symptoms include:
• Itching in the anal region
• Bleeding from the anus
• Pain in the anus
• Painful bowel movements
• A lump or swelling in the anal region

For patients diagnosed with anal cancer, surgery may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, combined treatment consisting of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is applied. The goal of combining these treatments is to increase the likelihood of recovery. In some cases, to preserve the anal region, an organ-preserving approach with only radiotherapy plus chemotherapy may be used in the early stages of the disease. Surgery may still be necessary if there is a recurrence.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any new or unusual symptoms and share them with your doctor without delay.