Experts have said that warning signs for anal cancer can be mistaken for piles or haemorrhoids.
The symptoms, which may include bowel incontinence and needing to visit the toilet more often, can be tell-tale signs of the rare condition.
While it mostly affects older people, with less than 2,000 cases a year in the UK, experts are urging people to remain aware of possible symptoms.
Bleeding from the bottom, and needing to empty your bowels more often with looser, runnier stools could also warn of the condition, reports Wales Online.
Experts are asking those who are suffering multiple symptoms to get checked out, and not let embarrassment prevent them from possible treatment.
Dr Pavel Vitek, a radiation oncologist from Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said: “Anal cancer is one of the rarer types in the UK, with around 1,500 new cases each year.
“Its symptoms can often be mistaken for more common and less serious illnesses such as piles and haemorrhoids, but it should not be taken lightly. Common red flags include needing to visit the toilet more often with looser, runnier stools and finding blood, itching or pain around the anus.
“It’s important not to let embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment as earlier detection often leads to a better health outcome.”
Anal cancer is not one of the 20 most common cancer types in the UK, accounting for less than one percent of cases per year according to Cancer Research UK.
Incidence rates are highest among people aged 80-84, according to the charity, but it can strike at any age.
Traditional treatment includes a mix of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but a new study led by Dr Vitek has shown proton beam therapy to be an effective treatment with reduced side effects.
Study co-author Dr Vitek said: “This new study gives us cause to be optimistic that proton beam therapy can be considered a kinder and effective treatment option to sufferers of anal cancer compared to some more traditional plans. Proton beam therapy allows us to target tumours and leave healthy tissue unaffected, and this often leads to better health outcomes for patients.
“The study has also indicated that it can help reduce acute toxicity and the need for a colostomy, in turn improving patients’ quality of life post-treatment.
“While further research is needed, proton beam therapy’s potential to give patients better health outcomes than traditional methods continues to give us cause for optimism.”
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