Researchers at the University of Texas in Houston have recently published a study in the journal of National Cancer Institute showing increased incidence of anal cancer. Anal cancer is closely related to HPV, human papilloma virus, infection. The virus can be prevented by vaccination but more than 50% of Houstonians are not vaccinated.
Anal cancer and hemorrhoids (almorranas in Spanish) have many symptoms in common including fresh blood per rectum, pain around the anus, itching and feeling a lump near the anus. It is important to be evaluated by a hemorrhoid specialist to differentiate both hemorrhoid from anal cancer. A colonoscopy or anoscopy is often recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of anal cancer depends on stage of disease and may include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Treatment of hemorrhoids is much simpler especially when hemorrhoid banding is performed.
Marcia Cross, Desperate Housewives star has recently been diagnosed with anal cancer. She went public with her diagnosis to help destigmatize anal cancer and help others get early diagnosis and treatment. Cross’s husband was previously diagnosed with throat cancer that is also related to HPV.