What Is an Anal Cancer Screening?
An anal cancer screening is a simple test to help prevent anal cancer or detect it early. This can be done even if you don’t have any signs of the disease.
Anal cancer is uncommon, but it is highly treatable when it is found early, and screening is the most reliable way to catch it before symptoms ever appear. Screening matters most for people who fall into a higher-risk group, which is why it is worth knowing where you stand.
At New Jersey Cancer Care, PA, our experienced oncologists help patients understand their risk, make sense of their results, and move quickly into treatment if anything concerning is found. Request an appointment at our Belleville, Montclair, or Roselle office to talk through your risk factors.
How Is an Anal Cancer Screening Done?
A screening is typically done by one of three ways:
- Anal pap smear – Also called an anal cytology, this test collects cells to be looked at in the lab. While you lay on your side with your knees bent, a small swab is taken and then sent to be analyzed in the lab.
- Anal exam – Your provider may perform an exam by inserting a gloved finger into the anus to feel for any lumps, warts, or ulcerations.
- Anoscopy – This is when a small plastic tube is inserted into the anus to look for any abnormal areas that may need to be analyzed.
What Are the Goals of Screening?
Screening is used to look for cancer before you have any symptoms or signs. Scientists have developed, and continue to develop, tests that can be used to screen a person for specific types of cancer. The overall goals of cancer screening are to:
- Lower the number of people who die from the disease, or eliminate deaths from cancer altogether
- Lower the number of people who develop the disease
Who Is Recommended for Anal Cancer Screenings?
If you are at higher risk, it may be recommended that you have an anal cancer screening. There are no official guidelines for anal cancer screening, but experts agree screening those at high risk will help prevent anal cancer or detect it early.
You may be at higher risk for anal cancer if you:
- Have HIV
- Regularly have anal sex
- Have a history of anal warts or precancerous cell growth on the anus
- Have a history of abnormal cell growth caused by HPV on another part of the body
- Have had another HPV-related cancer, like cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, or vaginal cancer
- Have a suppressed immune system from autoimmune disorders, transplant recipients, or long-term use of medication
What Happens After a Screening?
After your screening, your provider will look for any suspicious areas. Close monitoring helps to detect any cancers early when it is most treatable.
Anal screening can detect abnormal lesions or pre-cancerous lesions in the anus. These sometimes will need to be treated or monitored with future screenings.
Your provider may not find any areas of concern. You may return for regular follow-up screenings, depending on your level of risk or lifestyle factors.
Simple Screening Can Save Lives
Our team is highly trained to help you feel comfortable during the screening process and confident in your results. Early detection can help save lives.
If you have HIV, a history of anal warts or an HPV-related cancer, or a weakened immune system, talk with your provider about whether anal cancer screening is right for you. If a screening does find abnormal or cancerous cells, the team at New Jersey Cancer Care, PA is here to help.
Our oncologists use precision medicine to tailor treatment to your diagnosis, and eligible patients may also have access to clinical trials through our cancer research program. We provide quality, personalized cancer care close to home at three New Jersey locations:
- Belleville: (973) 751-8880
- Montclair: (973) 744-8000
- Roselle: (908) 259-8817
Request an appointment online or call the office nearest you to schedule your consultation.