Anal Cancer Series #2: Claire Laverty - Lived Experience of Anal Cancer
Trigger Warning: this episode discusses HPV, anal cancer, cancer treatment, sex and intimacy, late effects and survivorship.
Supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.
Supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.
Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Clare Laverty. Claire is a mum, wife & dental practice manager, with lived experience of anal cancer. After undergoing chemo-radiotherapy in 2024, she now advocates for awareness, support, and honest conversations around side effects and survivorship.
This episode is a deep dive into Claire’s anal cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
CPD Reflection Points:
- read about the signs and symptoms of anal cancer.
- consider how you could improve your ability to recognise potential symptoms of anal cancer in female patients, and avoid misattributing these to more common benign conditions.
- consider how you could adapt your communication and clinical approach to better support patients experiencing stigma, emotional distress, or concerns about body image and intimacy related to anal cancer.
- what steps could you take take to ensure patients receive holistic, multidisciplinary care, including appropriate referrals and support for both physical and psychological needs.
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Links from the Episode:
- Practical considerations for anal intimacy during and after cancer treatment
- The impact of anal cancer treatment on female sexuality and intimacy: a systematic review
- Sexual Toxicity After Chemoradiation for Anal Cancer Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
- Anal Cancer BMJ Best Practice
- Vaginal and sexual health after radiotherapy for anal cancer: A Danish prospective cohort study
Rad Chat Links:
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.
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