Symptoms of anal cancer

Symptoms of anal cancer include:

bleeding
pain
bowel changes
severe itching (pruritus)

These symptoms can also be from other conditions, such as piles (haemorrhoids). But it is important that you see your GP with any symptoms. Some people might have no symptoms.

Bleeding

The most common symptom of anal cancer is bleeding from the back passage (rectal bleeding). You might notice this as blood in your poo.

Pain

You might have pain around your anal area. Together with bleeding, this may be confused with piles.

Sensation of a lump or needing to open your bowels

You might feel the sensation of a lump around your anus or of needing to open your bowels.

A sore (ulcer) that doesn’t heal

A symptom of anal cancer can be a sore in or around the anus that doesn’t heal. It might feel painful.

Severe itching

Another symptom of anal cancer can be severe itching (pruritus) in the area around your anus.

Mucus from your back passage

Mucus coming from your back passage (discharge) can be a sign of anal cancer.

Bowel changes

You may have difficulty controlling your bowels (faecal incontinence). You might also poo more frequently and it might be looser.

A fistula

A fistula could be a sign of anal cancer. A fistula means an abnormal connection or path between two body areas. Passing gas or poo from the vagina can be a symptom of a fistula. This is because of an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina.

No symptoms

You might have no symptoms at all. 20 out of 100 people (20%) diagnosed with anal cancer don’t have any symptoms.

When to see your doctor

If you have any of the above symptoms, you must get them checked by your GP. Catching your cancer early can improve the outcomes. But remember, they can all be caused by other conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have anal cancer.