Does radiotherapy treat anal cancer?

Radiotherapy uses focused radiation to damage cancer cells in and around the anus. For many people, it is planned with chemotherapy to improve the treatment's effect. The aim may be to control the cancer while avoiding removal of the anus, although surgery can still be needed if cancer remains or returns.

Treatment can irritate the skin and bowel, causing soreness, diarrhoea, tiredness or discomfort when passing stool. Your team can offer skin care, pain relief and dietary guidance.

Meet the radiation oncology team to review scans, examination findings and the proposed treatment area. Ask about preparation, daily appointments, bowel care, skin products and work or activity adjustments. Tell the team about medicines, bowel disease and any existing skin soreness.

Call your treatment team for uncontrolled pain, heavy rectal bleeding, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, fever or rapidly worsening skin breakdown. New weakness, confusion or difficulty passing urine also needs prompt assessment.

Is radiotherapy planned alone or with chemotherapy? What is the treatment area and schedule? Which side effects should I report the same day? How will you check whether the cancer has responded?