You may find this checklist helpful when thinking about the questions you want to ask your doctor.
- What type of anal cancer do I have? What part of the anus is affected? Has the cancer spread?
- What treatment do you recommend? What are the risks and possible side effects?
- Are there any other treatment options for me?
- Will the treatment affect my sexual function or pleasure? Will the treatment affect my fertility?
- Do I have HPV? Can I pass on HPV to my partner? Should I or my partner get vaccinated against HPV?
- Are there any clinical trials or studies I could join?
- How often will I need check-ups? Can I examine myself in between check-ups?
- If the cancer comes back, how will I know? What treatments could I then have?
More resources
Dr Chip Farmer, Colorectal Surgeon, The Alfred, The Avenue and Cabrini Hospitals, VIC; Tara Faure, Lower GI Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Debra Furniss, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Max Niggl, Consumer; Julie O’Rourke, CNC Radiation Oncology, Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, Canberra Health Services ACT; Dr Satish Warrier, Colorectal Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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