Skip Navigation

Visiting Dana-Farber? See our prescreening and mask requirements.

About Anal Cancer

  • Anal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the anus. The anus is the opening of the rectum to the outside of the body and at the end of the GI tract.

    Sometimes anal cancer causes no symptoms at all. But bleeding is often the first sign of the disease. The bleeding is usually minor. At first, most people assume the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids (painful, swollen veins in the anus and rectum that may bleed).

    While symptoms are more likely to be caused by benign (non-cancer) conditions, like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or anal warts, if you experience anal bleeding, it’s important that you have it checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

    Learn about anal cancer and find information on how we support and care for people with anal cancer before, during, and after treatment.

    The following information is from the National Cancer Institute.

  • Clinical Trials Questions?

    877-DF-TRIAL
    (877-338-7425)

     

  • Information and Resources

    new patient coordinators

    Becoming a Patient

    As a new Dana-Farber patient, find answers to questions about your first visit: what to bring, how to find us, where to park, and how to prepare.

    cover supportive resources brochure

    Support Services and Amenities

    We offer a wide range of services, from financial planning to creative arts to spiritual counsel, to support our patients through their cancer experiences.

    patient rating stars

    How Our Patients Rate Dana-Farber

    See patient satisfaction survey results for different Dana-Farber locations collected by Press Ganey, an independent company experienced in patient satisfaction surveying.