Patient reported long-term side effects on bowel function and anal pain in anal cancer survivors - 3- and 6-year results from the Swedish national ANCA study.

Impairment in bowel function and anal pain after anal cancer treatment should be expected and remains after 6 years. This suggests that long-term follow-up may be necessary in some form after customary follow-up. The addition of chemotherapy increases long-term side effects of bowel function.