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Colorectal (Anal) Cancer. I am a survivor. Life is a journey...this is mine.
Anal cancer arises from the cells around the anal opening (verge) or within the anal canal (1-2 inches long) up to its junction with the rectum. Most anal cancers arise from skin cells and are called squamous cell carcinomas. Some arise from the special mucosal cells lining the upper anal canal and are called cloacogenic carcinomas. Although several other types of cancer may occur in this area, these two are the most common. They behave similarly and are treated in the same fashion. Cells that are becoming malignant but have not invaded below the surface are "pre-cancerous" (carcinoma-in-situ). This condition is called Bowen's disease.
Anal cancer is fairly uncommon. It accounts for about 1-2% of gastrointestinal cancers. About 3,400 new cases of anal cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.A., and about 500 people will die of the disease each year. This may be compared to 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer with 50,000 deaths per year.
1 comment:
My best to you.
At the age of 40, I was unable to get a referral for a colonoscopy even though both of my parents had colon issues. I took matters into my own hands and paid for my own virtual colonoscopy (and body scan). Both showed problems. I asked my doctor if they would review the reports. I was told no. I then informed them that I had colon polyps according to the virtual and that my folks had had problems. I then got my referral for a colonoscopy. The doctor who did the colonoscopy said he had trouble getting to the polyps, but did and I should come back in ten years. I took those results to another doctor. He informed me that the type of polyps I had were the worst possible and that I should go in every 3-5 years. And he highly suggested my 4 younger siblings get colonoscopies. I am at that time where I should get a referral for my colonoscopy. I can almost bet I am going to have difficulty getting it. First because I am under 50 and second because it's not 10 years after my first one. I am almost guaranteed I'll have to pay for a virtual again.
You are so right when you say this is not an old person's disease.
Again, my best to you. Thank you for telling your story.
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