All articles tagged with #anal cancer
Julia DeVillers, initially misdiagnosing her anal bleeding as menopause, was found to have stage 3 anal cancer linked to HPV, which was treated successfully after a difficult journey. Her story highlights the importance of awareness and early detection of HPV-related cancers.
Julia DeVillers, a children's author, was misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids before discovering she had Stage 3 anal cancer, which was successfully treated with chemoradiation after a severe ICU stay. Her experience highlights the importance of awareness and destigmatizing anal cancer, often linked to HPV, and emphasizes the effectiveness of early detection and treatment.
Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that starts in the anus and can be difficult to diagnose due to its symptoms, which can mimic other conditions. Symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, itching or pain around the anus, a lump or mass near the anus, changes in bowel habits, discharge from the anus, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment options include chemoradiotherapy, surgery, and colostomy. The 5-year relative survival rate for anal cancer is 83 percent if caught early. Cancer can take a toll on patients' mental health, and support from friends, family, or mental health professionals may be needed.
Julia DeVillers, a children's book author from Ohio, was diagnosed with anal cancer linked to sexually transmitted HPV after suffering from anal bleeding and discomfort. Despite spending five weeks in intensive care, she tackled each day with humor and light-hearted gifts from colleagues. After undergoing treatment, she has achieved no evidence of disease and is now helping raise awareness for anal cancer alongside the HPV Cancers Alliance.
Julia DeVillers, a bestselling children's book author, shares her experience of being diagnosed with anal cancer and the stigma associated with it. She initially felt embarrassed to talk about it due to the loaded word "anal," but found solace in the humor and support of her colleagues and friends. DeVillers underwent a rigorous treatment regimen, including chemotherapy and radiation, and spent 37 days in the ICU. She has since become an advocate for HPV awareness and destigmatizing HPV-associated cancers. Women can ask their gynecologists to perform a digital anorectal exam to detect abnormal masses and prevent anorectal cancers.
Anal cancer symptoms can be vague, but being vigilant and noticing any changes can help detect the disease as soon as possible. The most common symptom of anal cancer is bleeding from the back passage, which may be noticeable in the form of blood in your poo, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet paper. Other symptoms include excreting looser and runnier poos, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and discharge of mucus from the bottom. One of the key risk factors for anal cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually-transmitted infection.