Towards an Understanding of Barriers and Delays in the Diagnosis of Anal Cancer

This situational analysis will make it possible to identify barriers and delays in diagnosis, to assess waiting times for access to consultations, and to evaluate the existence of potential fast-track diagnostic pathways.

It will analyze the proportion of cancers diagnosed through screening as well as the proportion of eligible patients who did not benefit from screening.

Assessing patient reluctance, the impact of socio-economic conditions, and patients' knowledge of the link between HPV and anal cancer will help better target public information efforts.

Ultimately, the aim of the study is to improve care pathways in order to enhance public and healthcare professional awareness and promote earlier diagnosis.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female ≥ 18 years
• Histologically proven invasive or microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the anus
• Having read and understood the information letter provided, either:

i. After disclosure of the diagnosis, or ii. At the latest 6 months after initiation of treatment (surgical excision, radiotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy)

• Affiliated with a social security system

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal to participate in the protocol
• Other histological types: lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor, etc.
• Time since treatment initiation greater than 6 months
• Protected persons (pregnant women, breastfeeding women, individuals under guardianship or curators, minors, persons deprived of liberty, or persons unable to express informed consent).