What Is Anal Cancer?

Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus. Anal cancer is a rare cancer. Most people who get it are between ages 50 and 80. Slightly more women than men get anal cancer. But the rate is increasing in men, especially in those who have anal sex.

What is the anus?

The anus is the end of the large intestine, below the rectum, through which stool (solid waste) leaves the body. The anus is formed partly from the outer, skin layers of the body and partly from the intestine. Two ring-like muscles, called sphincter muscles, open and close the anal opening to let stool pass out of the body. The anal canal, the part of the anus between the rectum and the anal opening, is about 1½ inches long.

The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors in this area are skin tumors, not anal cancer.

Clinical Trials for Anal Cancer

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials

Clinics for Anal Cancer