First, I’d never even heard of “anal” cancer until Farrah’s diagnosis, just assuming that all cancers in that area fell under the umbrella of colorectal, but I see that’s not the case. Anyway. . .
Some cursory Googling indicates that colonoscopies are not very effective in detecting anal cancers, I’m guessing because they’re don’t start looking until they’re past the anal canal, but. . . is the fecal occult blood test any better for finding anal cancers?
FOBT wouldn’t be real effective.
It is recommended that high risk individuals have anal pap smears, and those whose anal paps are positive undergo anoscopy.
At-risk individuals include:
■People with HPV infections
■Age - Most people with anal cancer are over 50 years old.
■Anal sex - Persons who participate in anal sex are at an increased risk.
■Smoking - Harmful chemicals from smoking increase the risk of most cancers including anal cancer.
■Immunosuppression - People with weakened immune systems, such as transplant patients who must take drugs to suppress their immune systems and patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, are at a somewhat higher risk.
■Chronic local inflammation - People with long-standing anal fistulas or open wounds are at a slightly higher risk.
■Pelvic radiation - People who have had pelvic radiation therapy for rectal, prostate, bladder or cervical cancer are at an increased risk.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend routine screening based on age alone, without other risk factors.
FOBT is a non-specific test with a significant false-positive rate if you like your vegetables. It picks up bleeding anywhere along the GI tract making its sensitivity for picking up anal problems poor. Dr. Q’s points above are a good guide.
Vlad/Igor
Many thanks!