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After being diagnosed with anal cancer, some patients seek information on survival rates. This is understandable; in fact, some people find that they are able to cope better when they have general information about the past success rates of various treatment options. However, other people may find such statistics to be confusing or simply too general to be useful. For the most accurate information, a patient’s best source is a physician who is familiar with his or her case. An experienced medical professional can both explain the overall statistics in a proper context and provide individualized prognostic information.

When discussing a patient’s prognosis, a physician will typically consider all of the factors that could potentially influence the cancer and its treatment. To explain what may happen in an individual patient’s case, the physician may refer to data gathered from thousands of patients with anal cancer who were studied by researchers over a number of years. If possible, the physician will identify and use the statistics relating to people who are most similar to the patient.

What factors can influence anal cancer survival rates?

With that said, anal cancer survival rates can depend on a number of things, such as:

  • The type and location of the cancer
  • The stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis
  • The rate at which the cancer grows and spreads
  • The patient’s response to treatment
  • The patient’s age and general health

When thinking about anal cancer survival rates, it’s also important for a patient to remember that prognoses can and do change. For instance, anal cancer may respond very well to treatment – even better than originally anticipated. Additionally, new and better treatment options are continually becoming available through research breakthroughs and successful clinical trials.

As a world leader in cancer treatment, Moffitt Cancer Center offers an exciting clinical trials program made possible by our talented research team, which includes physicians, scientists, research data specialists and oncologists, all of whom specialize in the treatment of anal cancer. Moffitt has earned the distinction of being the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, a testament to our dedication to continually fighting – and ultimately beating – cancer.

If you’d like to discuss the general anal cancer survival rates with the experts at Moffitt and learn how this information can be applied to your specific case, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. No referrals are necessary.