Social stigma around the word 'anal'

Oh Jen,

You’ve really been having a rough time of it. I’m so sorry that you had to go to A&E again and I hope the medication helps. 

There seems to be so little awareness of anal cancer but you would hope that the medical profession would at least have heard of it! It is no wonder that so many of us had such a long and difficult road to diagnosis.

Very much hope that you’re as ok as possible and that the end of treatment is at least in sight now. 

Keep resting up and sending hugs to you xx

Thanks Peb :) I'm honest doing so much better in myself atm. The cancer pain is pretty much non existent already after 3 weeks of treatment! Such a relief as had been in so much pain for over a year.... it's a sure sign that something positive is happening down there xx

Hello Jenna

So sorry to hear about your bleeding - I had a hysterectomy years ago so wasn't affected but that must have been quite worrying.    You could also be tired from the treatment, that tends to increase fatigue quite dramatically.

The nurse...!  I wouldn't have bothered either, but he really should have known better.  When I was first diagnosed I told a few close people it was anal cancer, and then later I backtracked.  I just didn't have the capacity for more explanations especially to people that I wasn't particularly close to, and I still don't - I know this is my hangup. 

Well done for laughing it off!

And it is wonderful to hear that the cancer treatment is having such a marked effect, that will give such hope to those who are suffering with painful tumours right now.

Not long now!

Irene xx

Thanks Irene.... yes, I hope it does give others some light at the end of the tunnel! People on here told me that those with pain before treatment often felt relief quite soon after starting, but the difference is honestly amazing! Despite the side effects, I still feel better than I have in a very long time

As for all this judgement over our diagnosis.... I just wish there was more education about it, especially amongst healthcare professionals. I may mention it to someone at the hospital. Not to kick up a fuss or anything, but just so that a conversation can be started.

Jenna xx

Hello Jenna

So pleased the treatment is making the cancer feel better, that must be such a relief.

I have anal and rectum cancer and have no idea what the words are, as I am in foreign lands. Where I am they openly discuss your condition, no curtains or privacy. 

If there is not an English speaking Doctor or nurse to hand my roomies sometimes help with translation. They are so blunt here, I am probably referred to as the English woman with 'bum cancer'.

Jokes aside, I would have higher expectations of the UK nurses and Doctors. To have gone through your training and not heard of it seems unbelievable.

In America the redhead actress from desperate housewives decided to talk publically about her and her husband's battle.She has anal cancer and he has throat cancer (squamous). Very brave lady and not something I could do publically.

But talking about it is the only way to remove this stigma. Also if they want young girls and boys to take up the HPV vaccine they need to discuss cervical cancer, but also include anal cancer , throat cancer and all the other cancers linked to this terrible bloody virus.

 In my opinion they are all linked. So stop focusing in one area that seams paletable to have cancer and get them all publicised.

hope the Gyni stuff gets sorted soon and that helps with your tiredness.

Ally xx

Could not agree more Ally! People need to know this isn't just about cervical cancer.... and that boys are at risk too!

Must be confusing going through all this in a foreign country where your first language isn't theirs. I hope you're doing ok, wherever you are, and that you're getting the very best standard of care.

Jenna xx

The care is excellent Jenna, my GP had me off to a private hospital for a colonoscopy within weeks.

The hospital is very modern and clean and they have lots of very efficient nursing staff....so nothing to complain about.

Resting my stoma called 'Stormy' after the op on Friday.....radiologist meeting on Monday and hopefully treatment starting soon!

Take it easy and keep us updated on your progress.

Ally xx

Ah, that's good to hear.... not too much longer to wait hopefully  xx

Hello Jen,

Yes, the  'anal' thing is a bit odd, and I must admit the first time I heard of someone with anal cancer, they were in US and I just thought it was bowel cancer but using different terminology because it was a different country.

I suppose it might be because it's relatively uncommon, compared to other cancers and I imagine those with penis cancer or vulva cancer also get that sort of '..Sorry??' response you mentioned too. 

I hope you are feeling a bit better now, it does sound like you've had a tough time recently but hopefully you'll be on the right road now.

Take care and rest when you can. xx

Hi JenW ,

Blinking heck, you must be wondering when it’s going to end! I would have hauled the A&E nurse back & said ‘NO, not bowel cancer, that’s a whole different diagnosis’ but that’s just me

I visited my GP’s surgery on Tuesday & encountered a GP I’ve never seen before (It’s a big surgery with lots of GP’s & thankfully I don’t have to go very often so this isn’t unusual) he asked about medical history, even though it was all on the screen in front of him, I mentioned about my cancer diagnosis & he asked what my diagnosis was so I said I’d been diagnosed with SCC anal cancer & he said ‘oh!’ he sounded pretty taken aback! something I didn’t expect from a medical professional ( he wasn’t particularly young either!). I appreciate that our particular diagnosis is on the rarer side but I do think as soon as some folk hear the word anal they go temporarily deaf to anything that comes after that! I have a bit of a giggle to myself after any incidents like this. 

I hope you’re feeling a bit better now & the medication was useful. 

Nicola