To further honor Farrah Fawcett, we felt it necessary to run a piece on Anal Cancer. As we were all recently made keenly aware of, anal cancer can affect anyone regardless of their stature, money, fame, or eternal beauty. Some of this information maybe startling, shocking, or even offensive, but it is information that you must know. Why do you need to know? According to the Mayo Clinic nearly 5000 people per year are diagnosed with anal cancer, with the number of occurrences increasing and early diagnosis being the key. Let’s start at the beginning; verification of the definition maybe needed: the Anus is an approximately one and half inch long canal that connects the lower end of the intestines to the outside of the body. Body waste, exists the body through the anal canal.

Signs and Symptoms of anal cancer can include: a lump or growth near the anus, change in bowel habits (including but not limited to a change in diameter), rectal bleeding, anal itching or discharge, pain in the rectal area, swollen lymph modes in the groin or rectal area. Additionally, in some women symptoms can include: vaginal dryness, or lower back pain or pressure from tumors pressing on the vaginal wall. If you have any of these symptoms you should immediately seek the advice of a physician. While all the above are symptoms of anal cancer, they are also the result of many benign conditions. Conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures and anal warts can cause the same symptoms, either way you should seek the advice of a medical professional. The sooner you receive a proper diagnosis the more likely it is that you will have a positive outcome.

There are several tests that a doctor may perform in order to diagnose anal cancer. Test can vary based on the person, doctor, symptoms, etc. Tests can include: scopes inserted into the rectum to view the area, they can include imaging studies, ultrasounds, biopsies, and physical exams just to name a few. Anal cancer treatments vary depending on the stage of the cancer, type, tumors and the individual needs of the patient. They can include, but are not limited to: chemotherapy, radiation, lasers, surgery, and medications. This is a viscous disease that acts like a, “terrorist” per Farrah and her doctors. The terrorist can pop up at any time, or lay dormant in hiding planning a full, fledged assault on the body.

Now, are should be asking yourself, what are the risk factors for anal cancer? Risk factors include: over the age of 50, smoking in fact makes you 8 times more likely to have anal cancer, frequent redness swelling or bleeding of the anal area, if you have had numerous sexual partners, if you have ever had a sexually transmitted disease, if you have been diagnosed as being infected with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) or HIV, having had anal fistulas, having had cervical cancer, having engaged in anal intercourse, and having anal warts.
Next a clear definition of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is needed. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that has more than 100 different strains. HPV affects the skin and lining in the penis, vagina, and anal area. Most people have no signs or symptoms from this common virus, and are never even aware that they have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. However, the exception is that some forms of HPV can cause genital warts and cancer. HPV can cause normal cells to turn abnormal or cancerous. While there is no clear proof, it is believed that HPV is responsible for most cervical and anal cancers. It is believed based upon statics that nearly 50% of all adults will contract the HPV virus at some time during their life. Now I am sure you are asking yourself, how can I prevent HPV? First, there is a vaccine, available for girls over the age of 9, which can prevent 4 of the most common strains of the HPV virus. For the sexually active portion of the population, limit the number of sexual partners that you share yourself with. Condoms may help prevent HPV. But it is critically important to note here that HPV can affect areas not covered by condoms, so the virus can still be passed even with proper condom use. As far as preventing anal cancer follow the same preventions as required for HPV, but be very cautious before engaging in anal intercourse with a non-monogamous relationship. Also, ladies be sure to get an annual pap smear, to help diagnose, prevent and treat all cancers in this precious region.

In conclusion, anal cancer is a devastating disease that strikes regardless of age, stature or wealth. It took the life of one of the original Charlie’s Angels Farrah Fawcett. If you have any of the symptoms listed above please be sure to seek medical advice immediately, as early detection is critical with any cancer. Below is the contact information for the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

National Cancer Institute
1-800-4CANCER

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS- 2345
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

References
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_Is_Anal_Cancer_Diagnosed_47.asp
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_anal_cancer_47.asp
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_Anal_Cancer_47.asp?rnav=cri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_cancer
http://www.medicinenet.com/anal_cancer/page6.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anal-cancer/ds00852
http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Anal+Cancer