Experts at the OSUCCC – James are here to provide information and support on the latest in anal cancer prevention information. As a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated facility, we conduct groundbreaking research to better understand the causes of gastrointestinal cancers like anal cancer. Home to Ohio’s only Anal Cancer Screening Prevention Clinic, we offer compassionate and comprehensive care to help reduce the rate of anal cancer diagnoses. By understanding the current prevention efforts and risk factors for anal cancer, you can make informed decisions about your care.
Anal cancer risk factors
We don’t fully know why some people get anal cancer and others don’t. Like most cancers, there are some risk factors associated with getting it.
Anything that increases the likelihood of developing a condition is called a risk factor. Some risk factors are things you can control and there are also risk factors you can’t control.
Risk factors for anal cancer include:
- Certain sexual practices — If you have many sexual partners, this can increase the chances of an anal cancer diagnosis. Multiple sexual partners can expose you to sexually transmitted infections (STI) like the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is attributed to increased rates of anal cancer. Ninety percent of anal cancer diagnoses occur in those with a positive diagnosis of HPV infection.
- Having receptive anal intercourse — People who have receptive anal intercourse are more likely to develop anal cancer.
- Using tobacco — Current research indicates that those who smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of developing anal cancer when compared to those who don’t. This is thought to be since cigarette smoking weakens the body’s immune system and can affect your body’s ability to fight off cancerous cells.
- Certain medical conditions including:
- Exposure to HPV and HIV: There are two strains of HPV that are found mostly in those who receive an anal cancer diagnosis. HPV strains 16 and 18 cause most of the precancerous lesions that can become anal cancer (more than 90%). In those with a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis, this infection is associated with increased anal cancer diagnoses.
- Certain autoimmune disorders: If you have an autoimmune disease, you’re at an increased risk of developing anal cancer.
- History of certain cancers: Cervical, vaginal or vulvar cancers or precancerous lesions are often related to positive HPV infections. This can lead to a higher risk of anal cancer if you’ve previously had any of these other cancers.
Anal cancer prevention
There’s no single way to prevent anal cancer. However, there are some preventive measures you can take to help reduce your risk.
- Consider getting the HPV vaccine. This can reduce the chances of HPV spreading from person to person. Getting vaccinated against HPV at a young age may help prevent anal cancer.
- Quit smoking. If you currently use cigarettes, stop smoking to reduce the likelihood of developing anal cancer.
- Understand your screening options. You can be screened for anal cancer. At the OSUCCC – James, we have a fully staffed anal cancer screening clinic that can help you understand if you’re at a higher risk of developing the disease.
It’s important to understand the risk factors and preventable options available to you so you can make informed decisions about your care.
If you have received an anal cancer diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to an anal cancer specialist, we’re here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Anal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Anal Cancer Treatment
Anal Cancer Treatment Team