Anal Cancer Center

Anal cancer is an uncommon form of cancer. Anal cancer is an uncommon form of cancer. About 5,070 people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the anus in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society. Women are at slightly higher risk of anal cancer than men. Anal cancer is more likely to affect adults over 35 than younger age groups.

Women are at slightly higher risk of anal cancer than men. Anal cancer is more likely to affect adults over 35 than younger age groups.

The anus is the opening at the end of your large intestine. It leads from the intestine to the outside of the body and allows your stool (solid waste) to pass out of your body when you have a bowel movement. Just inside the anus is the anal canal, a 1½-inch segment of intestine. Anal cancer may form in the anus or the anal canal as cells that grow without stopping. These cells form masses (lumps) called tumors. Cancerous tumor cells may spread to other parts of the body if not treated and eliminated. Fortunately, most people with anal cancer have effective treatment available.

The exact cause of anal cancer is not known. Risk factors for developing anal cancer include being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) through sex; having many sexual partners; having anal sex; smoking cigarettes; and having longstanding problems with the anus, such as fistulas (abnormal openings), or inflammation.

Avoiding infection with HPV is thought to be very important in preventing anal cancer. Unfortunately, a person may be infected with HPV for years without experiencing symptoms. A new vaccine against HPV infection was approved in June 2006 for use in the United States. This vaccine is currently intended for preventing cervical cancer in young girls or women who have not yet had sex. In the future, it may also prove useful for preventing anal cancer in both females and males.