Three Types of Cancer That Remain Taboo

Certain types of cancer remain shrouded in stigma due to the areas of the body they affect, often leading to delays in diagnosis and a lack of public awareness. Medical experts and survivors highlight that these taboo cancers—particularly those affecting the genital and anal regions—can cause significant psychological distress and impact a patient’s identity, fertility, and sex life.

These conditions often go unspoken because symptoms can be perceived as embarrassing. This silence can be dangerous, as early detection is critical for successful treatment outcomes.

The Rise of Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is one of the most concealed malignancies, often associated with specific demographics but appearing across a broader range of patients. While it accounts for approximately 0.5 percent of all new cancer cases, federal data indicates a significant increase in prevalence.

Between 2005 and 2018, there was a 46 percent surge in anal cancer cases in the United States. While the disease was previously predominantly associated with gay men, patient demographics are evolving. Dr. Amar Rewari, chief of radiation oncology at Luminis Health and an adjunct associate professor at Johns Hopkins, has noted an increase in women over 50 appearing in his practice alongside gay and bisexual men.

Each year, anal cancer affects approximately 10,000 Americans. About 70 percent of these patients are women. The disease results in just under 2,200 deaths annually, with a nearly equal split between men, and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall risk of diagnosis is about one in 500.

The primary driver of most anal cancer cases is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. It is estimated that 80 million Americans may contract HPV at some point. While most infections are harmless, high-risk types of the virus can slowly alter cellular DNA over several years, eventually leading to cancer.

Gynaecologic Cancers and the Stigma of Silence

Gynaecologic cancers, which include cervical, uterine (womb), ovarian, vulval, and vaginal cancers, also remain largely unspoken about. These cancers often present symptoms that are difficult to discuss, leading many women to hesitate before seeking medical help.

Vulval cancer is particularly rare, but it is increasingly affecting younger women. One survivor, Theresa Jane Tabern, was diagnosed with vulval cancer in March 2015 at the age of 46. Tabern had previously been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, a skin condition affecting the genitals. While she was aware of a rare chance that the condition could lead to cancer, she stated that she never expected it would.

The impact of these cancers extends beyond physical health. Treatment often affects body image, identity, and fertility. Despite the prevalence of pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness, symbols for gynaecologic cancers, such as peach ribbons or white-and-teal ribbons, remain less recognized by the general public.

Treatment Options for Malignancies

The treatment for cancer depends on the specific type of malignancy and how advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis. Most patients receive a combination of therapies to improve outcomes.

• Surgery: A procedure where a surgeon removes the cancer from the body.
• Radiation Therapy: The use of high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Treatment that works by killing or stopping the growth of cancer and other fast-growing cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Treatment that targets specific changes in cancer cells that allow them to grow, divide, and spread.
• Immunotherapy: A treatment that helps the patient’s own immune system fight the cancer.
• Hormone Therapy: Used primarily for breast and prostate cancers that rely on hormones to grow.
• Photodynamic Therapy: A drug activated by light is used to kill abnormal cells.
• Hyperthermia: A process where body tissue is heated to damage and kill cancer cells.
• Blood Stem Cell Transplant: A procedure used to restore blood-forming stem cells after they have been destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy or radiation.

To assist in selecting the most effective treatment, doctors may use biomarker testing to identify specific characteristics of the cancer.

Overcoming the Taboo

Medical professionals emphasize the importance of listening to the body and overcoming self-consciousness when symptoms arise in private areas. Because these cancers are often “taboo,” patients may suffer for long periods before seeking professional help.

Reducing the stigma surrounding anal and gynaecologic cancers is essential for increasing early detection rates and ensuring that patients receive the necessary medical interventions before the disease advances.