Anal cancer, or cancer of the anus, is a rare type of cancer that is slightly more common in women than men.
About 850 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year in the UK.
Although the cause is unknown, more than eight out of 10 people diagnosed with anal cancer have an human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.
The most common symptoms of anal cancer are pain and bleeding from the anus.
Outlook
The outlook for anal cancer depends on how advanced it is when you are diagnosed. About 6 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women will live for at least 5 years. These are overall figures and include all stages of anal cancer.
Want to know more?
Health A-Z: cancer
Cancer Research UK: anal cancer
Macmillan: anal cancer
