Anal Cancer

Last Updated: 11 December 2018
Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the very end of the large bowel. Less than 1,200 people are diagnosed with cancer of the anus each year in the UK.

Symptoms of anal cancer

The symptoms of anal cancer are often similar to more common and less serious conditions affecting the anus, such as piles (haemorrhoids) and anal fissures (small tears or sores). Symptoms of anal cancer can include:

• bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)
• itching and pain around the anus
• small lumps around the anus
• a discharge of mucus from the anus
• loss of bowel control (bowel incontinence).

However, some people with anal cancer don't have any symptoms.  you must see your doctor/ GP if you develop any of the above symptoms. While they're unlikely to be caused by anal cancer, it's best to get them checked out.

Bowel (Colon / Colorectal) Cancer

General Info

Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon cancer or rectal cancer. Symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in your stools (faeces), an unexplained change in your bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhoea or constipation, and unexplained weight loss. Cancer can sometimes start in the small bowel (small intestine), but small bowel cancer is much rarer than large bowel cancer. Schematic diagram showing how different pathologies can affect the large colon, including bowel cancer.