Nobody wants to talk about anal cancer: Here’s why you should

While still rare, the number of anal cancer cases is on the rise, a statistic that’s very much of concern.

However, with more screenings, education and discussions about a part of the body and type of sex that many people — even some physicians — are uncomfortable talking about, we can reduce the number of anal cancer diagnoses and catch the disease in the early stages, when it’s less invasive and easier to treat.

What is anal cancer?

Anal cancer is a cancer of the anus, which is located at the very end of the intestines. There’s a misconception that it’s the same thing as rectal cancer, but it’s a distinct and different form of cancer. There are about 9,440 new anal cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, a number that’s almost doubled during the past three decades.

What are the risk factors for anal cancer?

About 90% of all anal cancer diagnoses are a result of a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Women who’ve been diagnosed with a cervical or vaginal HPV infection are especially at risk, as are women and men who engage in anal intercourse.

Other factors that increase risk include:

  • Having HIV
  • Having a weakened immune system, such as a patient who’s had an organ transplant and is on immune-suppressing medications
  • Engaging in anal sex, especially between two men
  • Smoking

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