Getting diagnosed with anal cancer
Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease. This is before they have any symptoms. For screening to be useful the tests:
need to be reliable at picking up cancers
overall must do more good than harm to people taking part
must be something that people are willing to do
Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS.
There is no national screening programme because:
anal cancer is rare so many people would have unnecessary tests
there isn’t a screening test to check for anal cancer
the benefits don't outweigh the costs
Most cases of anal cancer are linked to the (HPV). There isn’t currently a reliable test to check for HPV in the anus.
Talk to your GP if you think you might be at higher than average risk of developing anal cancer. For example, if you have a medical condition that increases your risk.
Last reviewed: 11 Mar 2025
Next review due: 11 Mar 2028
Anal cancer is when abnormal cells in the anus divide in an uncontrolled way. It can start in different parts of the anus and different types of cell.
Cancer screening looks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms.
Anal cancer symptoms may include bleeding, bowel changes and severe itching around the anus (pruritus). It is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any possible symptoms of anal cancer.
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the biggest risk factor for anal cancer. Other factors include getting older or having a weakened immune system.
Anal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is also called the anal canal.
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