Northern Ireland has no dedicated clinic for patients experiencing long-term effects from pelvic radiotherapy, unlike other parts of the UK. Trish Prosser from Belfast, diagnosed with anal cancer in 2020, reported vaginal walls closing over due to her treatment, causing ongoing agony six years later.

Prosser, 57, described physical scarring affecting bowel, vulva, cervical and vaginal areas as horrendously painful. She managed symptoms including fatigue, itching around the anal area and later issues like chronic constipation, incontinence and weight gain with dilators and intimacy support from her partner Mark Seymour.

About 40 to 50 cases of anal cancer occur annually in Northern Ireland out of 1,500 UK diagnoses. The condition stems mainly from persistent high-risk HPV infection, with risks heightened by weakened immunity or prior gynaecological cancers.

Pelvic radiotherapy leads to radiation-induced vaginal stenosis, where scar tissue shortens, narrows and dries vaginal tissue, often emerging months or years post-treatment. Prosser underwent scans to confirm her diagnosis and treatment during the Covid pandemic.

Sarah Quinlan of Radiotherapy UK stated late effects from cancer treatment can appear long after and affect quality of life, calling for a multidisciplinary service. Prosser noted her GP provided initial support but the system failed to address complex post-treatment needs.

This weekend marks Northern Ireland's first event focused solely on anal cancer awareness, involving patients, clinicians and charities. Alison Irwin, clinical nurse specialist at Belfast Cancer Centre, helps patients discuss their condition with family and employers.

Dr Catherine Hanna, consultant clinical oncologist at Belfast Health Trust, said early diagnosis allows treatment with radiotherapy. She advised checking lumps, itching or bleeding in the area.