Getting diagnosed with anal cancer
Your GP should refer you to a specialist or to have further tests if you have symptoms that could be due to anal cancer. Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent referral.
You will see a specialist or have tests as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement. The following is a summary.
Your GP should refer you to a specialist if you have an unexplained lump or ulceration in your anus. This should be an urgent referral.
Remember, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. And having them does not necessarily mean that you have anal cancer. But it is important to get them checked out.
Your GP will consider any other symptoms that you are having, so do mention these.
Read more about the symptoms of anal cancer
Your GP might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing anal cancer.
Read about the risks and cause of anal cancer
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP has referred you to a specialist, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one. Or some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Last reviewed: 10 Mar 2025
Next review due: 10 Mar 2028
Anal cancer is when abnormal cells in the anus divide in an uncontrolled way. It can start in different parts of the anus and different types of cell.
Anal cancer symptoms may include bleeding, bowel changes and severe itching around the anus (pruritus). It is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any possible symptoms of anal cancer.
You might have a number of tests to check for anal cancer. This includes an examination of your anus, scans and taking samples of tissue. This is called a biopsy.
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the biggest risk factor for anal cancer. Other factors include getting older or having a weakened immune system.
Anal cancer is cancer that starts in the anus. The anus is also called the anal canal.
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