Finding a provider who knows how to screen for anal precancer is a great step to learning more about your anal health. Locate a provider near you here.
- How do I find a provider who screens for anal precancer?
- What is HPV and what role does it play in anal cancer?
- My loved one has been diagnosed with anal cancer. How do I help?
- How do I find support?
- How do I manage anal cancer treatment side effects?
- What is anal cancer?
- Do ACF Volunteers help people at any cancer stage and/or post-treatment?
- What issues do support seekers (Thrivers and Caregivers) discuss with Volunteers? What kind of help can Volunteers give?
- What communication methods do Thrivers, Caregivers and ACF Volunteers use?
- How long does it take for someone to get connected to an ACF Volunteer?
Yes, connections are available for anyone at any point in their cancer experience. From newly diagnosed, to in treatment, to post-treatment, to post post-treatment, anal cancer Thrivers and their Caregivers are in need of support. We seek to provide support at any stage of your cancer journey.
The relationship between a support seeker and an ACF Volunteer is a natural, friendly mentorship that is supportive in nature. ACF Volunteers never dispense any medical advice or try to diagnose a medical problem. ACF Volunteers listen, question and help thrivers through their cancer journey by sharing their own experiences. Conversation topics might include:
- What treatments and side effects feel like in the Volunteer’s experience
- Tips on dealing with side effects
- Pain issues
- Stigma and social experiences relating to the diagnosis
- Experience navigating the medical system
- Support from family and friends
Together an ACF Volunteer and Thriver or Caregiver decide the best method(s) of contact that works for both the support seeker and the Volunteer. Communication with a Volunteer is often a progression of comfort on both sides. Some examples include:
- Telephone
- Text Messaging
- Video Chat
- Social Media (with both parties ensuring the messages are private)
- In Person Face-to-Face
Anal Cancer Foundation (“ACF”) recognizes there is an urgency for cancer patients (we call them “Thrivers”) and cancer caregivers (“Caregivers”) seeking support. Our goal is to find and match Thrivers and Caregivers with an ACF Volunteer within one week of completing registration.