hi I'm an older single woman and was diagnosed with AIN3 on 3rd October, following a biopsy. Fortunately for me CT scans and MRI plus examination under anaesthetic showed no internal growths in the lymph nodes or any where else. I am down for a second deeper biopsy on 26 October to determine the margins of the cancerous cells and the treatment pathway. This is expected to be mostly radiotherapy. I also have a referral for gynaecological endometrial cancer investigation.
So far I've been calmly pragmatic because I felt mostly relieved that I had asked for a private consultation back in July because I had self-diagnosed as having a haemorrhoid in lockdown - not knowing what other explanation there could be for the lesion outside the anal sphincter running down my buttock. The problem with self-diagnosis off the NHS website is that the NHS discourages people from bothering their doctors. Unfortunately my GP practice had nearly broken down post Covid with retirement of the old cohort of GPs, staff shortages at all levels, sickness and a major move to a new surgery amalgamated with another practice. So since January 2022 when I began to think I had to see someone about a growth that was getting bigger the GP practice has been issuing notices that they could only deal with emergencies and the only phone consultation I had was with the APN. Because I asked for a referral to a colorectal specialist she did do that immediately and I saw a consultant at the private hospital 19th August. Thank goodness I spent £250 on that and was prepared to spend several thousands of my savings on having the growth removed. The consultant immediately put me back on the NHS track because I was self-financing and booked me in provisionally for a biopsy on 19 September. I'm grateful that the biopsy went ahead despite the Bank holiday for the Queen's funeral and that the diagnosis has been swift.
Despite some tough months ahead I hold on to the fact that a stage 1 anal cancer should be cured. I fit none of the risk categories such as immune deficiency, HIV or even any family history of cancer among my 50 cousin or aunt/uncle relatives. I am keen to know as much as possible about my disease as i find that makes me feel more empowered and takes my mind off future unpleasant experiences.
Hi Ruggero,
I’d like to offer you a warm welcome to our little corner of the Macmillan online community although I’m really sorry that you’ve had the need to find us.
It was definitely the best move to spend that initial £250 to get a private consultation & an even better one that you’ve now been referred back to the NHS for further testing & your treatment etc. I too was diagnosed with stage 1 anal cancer, if you click on my username you’ll be able to read a little about my journey there.
Although anal cancer is classed as a rare cancer unfortunately cases are on the rise, having said that it is a highly treatable cancer & the ‘cure’ rate is high especially when caught in the early stages.
I’ve never been told that my cancer was HPV related, I’m not immune compromised either, I’m aware that during menopause our immune systems can deplete & sometimes completely crash so I do wonder if that’s why many of these incidents of anal cancer occur in women in their 40’s, 50’s & beyond? I do understand this doesn’t explain cases in younger women or men either but for those with no other apparent risk factors it has made me wonder.
Please feel free to ask any questions you have no matter how personal they seem, we’re an open minded bunch here that have numerous conversations about bottoms & toilet habits.
Nicola
