Anal Cancer Outcomes

The truth is statistics don’t tell the whole story. First, the anal cancer survival rate is improving all the time thanks to new treatment options being studied at research centers, including Winship. Second, anal cancer survival rates are highly individualized and often depend on where a patient goes for care, so averages tend to be misleading.

As Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winship is a leader in anal cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective treatments with the fewest possible side effects. And our surgical oncologists are some of the best in their field, routinely performing surgeries that other centers won’t attempt. As a result, our anal cancer survival rates — as well as our rates of recurrence and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Winship is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Georgia. Comprehensive Cancer Centers must meet rigorous standards that prove they have state-of-the-art facilities, offer cutting-edge treatments, deliver breakthrough research and conduct lifesaving clinical trials.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to excellent multidisciplinary care, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

When looking at anal cancer survival rates, it’s also important to consider rates of recurrence. While many patients with early anal cancer will never have a recurrence, some will. Having anal cancer also means you’re at increased risk for developing another type of cancer, particularly cervical or oral cancer.

At Winship, we’re proud to offer some of the most long-lasting treatments and post-treatment follow-up care in the country. We’ll design your treatment plan in a way that not only provides you the best anal cancer prognosis, but also helps keep your cancer from returning.

For patients whose anal cancer is treated with surgery, we have quality measures that include testing the surrounding tissue to confirm there’s no remaining cancer. And once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to monitor your condition and follow you for at least five years to ensure that you remain cancer-free and assist you with the management of any long-term side effects of treatment.

At Winship, you will receive the most powerful and precise treatments available with the least adverse side effects. We’ll take steps to reduce common side effects of anal cancer treatment, including inflammation, discomfort, urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction. Our cancer rehabilitation specialists work with patients to restore function. And our supportive care team will work with you on managing depression and other psychological and emotional aspects of anal cancer for as long as you need us.