Anal cancer awareness month

March is anal cancer awareness month. In the UK, about 1,500 people develop anal cancer each year. It is a rare cancer. But the number of people being diagnosed with anal cancer is increasing - especially in women and people assigned female at birth.

Facts about anal cancer

  • Anal cancer is cancer that start in the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the large bowel, which is part of the digestive system. Anal cancer is a type of bowel cancer.
  • The most common symptoms of anal cancer are bleeding from the anus, pain and itching or discomfort around the anus.
  • Doctors do not know the exact cause of anal cancer. But there are risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it. Learn more about causes and risk factors of anal cancer.


Where to get support

If you have been diagnosed or someone you know has been diagnosed with anal cancer, we can help.

Anal cancer forum

The anal cancer forum is an online community for people living with anal cancer and those that care about them. It's a place to share experiences and support each other.
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Local cancer support services

Use our search tool to find local cancer support services near you like a Macmillan support centre and local support groups.
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Macmillan Support Line

Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00 to speak to our information and support advisers or cancer information nurse specialists.
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Other organisations that can help

Find all the ways we can help

How you get involved this anal cancer awareness month

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Fundraise in memory
Raising funds for Macmillan in memory is a great way to remember someone important to you and help people living with cancer.
A group of volunteers are taking a selfie. They are wearing green tops with the Macmillan logo on them. They appear to be at an outdoor event. A group of volunteers are taking a selfie. They are wearing green tops with the Macmillan logo on them. They appear to be at an outdoor event.
Become a volunteer
There are many different ways to volunteer for Macmillan. However you give your time or expertise can help make a difference.
Campaign with us
Be part of a movement of tens of thousands of people across the UK, who are campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.

Your stories

A head shot of Tania. She has long wavy brown and blonde hair. She is wearing a green top and a necklace. She is standing in front of a grey background.

Tania's story

"I had a health check that changed my life. I was given an anal examination even though I was actually younger than the recommended age, but the doctor was giving a comprehensive check up. She felt something there and I was referred to an oncologist.

"What struck me through my experience was there wasn't much information available about anal cancer. I found that extremely frustrating as I was craving that information and with anal cancer being pretty rare it was even more challenging."

More support and information about anal cancer

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