Anal Cancer

As a first-time patient, you will undergo a thorough, day-long evaluation and consultation. This entails you meeting with every member of your cancer team: the colorectal surgeon, the medical oncologist, and the radiation oncologists. At Duke, these teams are compromised of experts who will work together to formulate the best treatment plan for you and your needs. If there is additional imaging or work-up needed, we can frequently get these done at the same time of visit. If previous scans/work-up has been done elsewhere, we are able to obtain those results and have them interpreted by our radiologists and pathologist who are experts in anal cancer.

Sophisticated technology allows us to better target the maximum dose of radiation directly to your cancer, while minimizing exposure and possible damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Because radiation is delivered more precisely, fewer treatments are needed.

We are a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and are part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers dedicated to improving care for our patients.

You may be eligible to participate in our ongoing clinical trials, which give you access to new targeted therapies, surgical approaches, and ways to minimize common cancer-related symptoms, all before they become widely available at other hospitals.

Nearly 80% of surgeries are performed via minimally invasive techniques that may include laparoscopic and robotic platforms. These less-invasive methods are used to identify and sometimes remove tumors. As a result, you’ll experience smaller wounds, less pain and scarring, and lower incidence of infection. It is also likely you'll leave the hospital sooner and recover faster.

Our anal cancer specialists include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and pathologists. They meet with geneticists, specially-trained nurses, nutritionists, and social workers to regularly discuss your care, collect opinions, and offer coordinated surgical, medical, and follow-up care.

Our comprehensive cancer support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.