Advancing progress in anal cancer involves more than scientific innovation – it requires engaging people affected by anal cancer in open dialogue and listening closely. We sat down with Incyte, a biotechnology company invested in the treatment of anal cancer, to learn more about their research efforts, commitment to patients and how community voices influenced the development of their program, Let’s Talk Anal Cancer – a U.S. awareness effort aimed at normalizing open conversations about anal cancer. Anal Cancer Foundation (ACF) collaborated on this initiative as an advisor, highlighting gaps in awareness, care and support to inform the creation of resources for the anal cancer community.
Can you tell us about Incyte and the work you’re doing to advance cancer research?
At Incyte, we are on a mission to Solve On®. By following the science, we bring advances for those with unmet medical needs, regardless of the disease or size of the patient population. We stand with the anal cancer community by supporting essential education and amplifying patient voices to encourage action and empowered discussions with healthcare teams about anal cancer.
How does engaging with the anal cancer community shape Incyte’s understanding of how best to support people affected by cancer?
By listening to and learning from the anal cancer community, we can begin to understand the realities of living with this disease, including unmet needs around diagnosis, treatment, late-stage diagnosis, relapse and survivorship. These insights helped shape Let’s Talk Anal Cancer, a program which aims to normalize candid conversations about anal cancer, promote open dialogue with healthcare professionals and break down the barriers that can delay diagnosis and isolate people from key social supports during their cancer journey.
As part of the program, Incyte partnered with anal cancer thrivers Mary, Susie and Daniel to share their personal stories, model open dialogue and provide critical information about risk factors, symptoms and the patient journey. Each bravely shared their experience with anal cancer and how embarrassment related to body location and misconceptions about anal cancer symptoms and risk factors can create feelings of shame that patients carry throughout their journey.
Mary was told for years she had hemorrhoids before being diagnosed with stage 3 SCAC after her cancer had progressed. And Mary is not alone in her experience. Susie and Daniel faced similar dismissals and frustration – their symptoms initially attributed to less serious conditions before they were both diagnosed with stage 2 SCAC.
Engaging the patient and advocacy community helps ensure our research priorities, educational efforts and partnerships are aligned with what matters most to patients. That collaboration allows us to go beyond the science and create meaningful impact together with the ACF and broader anal cancer community.
Innovation is moving quickly in oncology – from new types of therapies to better ways of personalizing care. How do you think these new developments could make a difference for people living with anal cancer?
Innovation in oncology is reshaping what’s possible — from immunotherapies that harness the body’s own defenses, to biomarker-driven strategies that tailor treatments to individual patients. For people living with anal cancer, these advances mean hope for potentially more effective and less toxic options, as well as approaches that address the unique biology of each tumor. As science evolves, we’re learning how to personalize care not only by tumor type, but by the specific needs, experiences and goals of each person facing cancer.
What did being part of the 2025 Patient Summit mean to Incyte?
Incyte was honored to be a part of the Anal Cancer Foundation’s 2025 Patient Summit. It was an excellent opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen our collective commitment to improving the lives of those with cancer. It was a moment to celebrate progress, acknowledge the challenges that remain and show up for patients in partnership with clinicians and advocates to work for real change to make sure every person affected by anal cancer feels seen, supported and empowered.
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