Living with anal cancer

There is support available during and after treatment to help you cope. This includes support from your clinical nurse specialist, cancer charities, community services, and family and friends.

Coping with anal cancer

Coping with cancer can be difficult. There is help and support available. There are things you can do, people to help and ways to cope with a diagnosis of anal cancer.

Coping with a colostomy after anal cancer

After a colostomy, you'll need to think about and adjust to practical issues and feelings around having a colostomy. It can take time to get used to all these changes. But there is a lot of support available.

Sex life after anal cancer treatment

Most people can have a normal sex life after having anal cancer. You will need time to recover from surgery or any other treatment.

Diet after anal cancer treatment

You might need to change what you eat after treatment for anal cancer. Your digestion may need time to settle down after anal cancer treatment.

Support at home for you and your family

You might need some care and support at home due to anal cancer or its treatment. A lot of practical and emotional support is available to you. 

Resources and support

There are organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with anal cancer and treatment. You can also find out about suppliers of stoma appliances.

Last reviewed: 
24 Jun 2022
Next review due: 
24 Jun 2025