Treatments for anal cancer

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Your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. The plan is based on your health and specific information about the cancer. What you want is also important when planning treatment. When deciding which treatments to offer for anal cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

  • the stage of the cancer
  • the size of the tumour and where it is
  • possible side effects
  • your overall health
  • any other medical problems you have
  • your performance status and how well you are eating
  • your lifestyle and what you prefer or want

Your team will try to treat the tumour without removing the muscles of the anal sphincter so that you will still be able to have bowel movements (poop) normally after treatment. This helps make sure you have a better quality of life overall.

Chemotherapy given with radiation therapy during the same time period (chemoradiation) is the main treatment for early-stage anal cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used on their own. Surgery is used to treat anal cancer if the cancer doesn't respond to chemoradiation or for a very small tumour.

Treatments for stage 0 anal cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for stage 0 anal cancer.

Treatments for stage 1 anal cancer

Stage 1 anal cancer is often treated with surgery or chemoradiation.

Treatments for stage 2 anal cancer

Chemoradiation is the main treatment for stage 2 anal cancer.

Treatments for stage 3 anal cancer

Chemoradiation is the main treatment for stage 3 anal cancer.

Treatments for stage 4 anal cancer

Stage 4 anal cancer may be treated with chemotherapy or surgery.

Treatments for recurrent anal cancer

Recurrent anal cancer may be treated with chemoradiation, surgery or chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy for anal cancer

Anal cancer is often treated with chemotherapy given in the same time period as radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy for anal cancer

Anal cancer is often treated with chemoradiation, which is radiation therapy given in the same time period as chemotherapy.

Surgery for anal cancer

Anal cancer is sometimes treated with surgery.

Follow-up after treatment for anal cancer

Follow-up is an important part of care for anal cancer. It often involves regular tests and visits with the healthcare team.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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