Living and Thriving After Treatment for Anal Cancer: Addressing Long-Term Treatment Side Effects

At an educational forum for anal cancer survivors, a panel of experts discussed side effects often experienced by individuals treated for anal cancer. Panelists addressed the short and long-term quality of life effects after chemotherapy and radiation and management of these side effects. This event was sponsored by The HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation, the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. Co-sponsors include the UCSF Alliance Health Project, Project Inform, the Shanti Project, and the International Anal Neoplasia Society.

Speakers included:
Justine Almada, Executive Director, HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation
Albert Chang, MD, Radiation Oncologist, UCSF
Katherine Van Loon, MD, Medical Oncologist, UCSF
Allison Palandrani, DPT, Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center
Michael Berry, MD, Anal Neoplasia Clinic, UCS
Joel Palefsky, MD, Anal Neoplasia Clinic UCSF, President of the International Anal Neoplasia Society

After Justine Almada welcomes attendees, each speaker is introduced by Dr. Joel Palefsky.

Dr. Chang 8:06
Describes routine chemoradiation treatment protocol for anal cancer. This presentation specifically is recommended for people who are just starting treatment.

Dr. Van Loon 21:39
Describes followup after treatment, common long-term side effects, management of gastrointestinal and bone loss symptoms, survivor's fear of recurrence, and how to fight recurrence.

Palandrani 35:38
Describes how pelvic rehabilitation can help improve chemoradiation side effects and how physical therapy can help with fatigue, lymphedema, muscle weakness, pelvic floor dysfunction, anal/vaginal stenosis, and incontinence.

Dr. Berry 46:30
Discusses long-term followup after treatment for anal cancer and why it's important, specifics of the procedures used for follow-up, and what practitioners are looking for during follow-up. Dr. Berry also speaks about finding anal cancer in its precancerous stages and the different treatment options available.

For more information about long-term side effect management, particularly gastrointestinal and sexual side effects, please see the slides from our Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center presentation, available here. http://www.analcancerfoundatio....n.org/2013/10/16/oct

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  Anal Cancer