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Patient and Family Education

Anal Cancer

Risk Factors and Prevention

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 5,290 new cases of anal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2009. Of these, approximately 710 people will die from this disease. This represents just 1-2 percent of the total number of gastrointestinal cancers diagnosed each year.

Although it is rare, however, the rate of anal cancer among men has increased in recent years.

The risk factors for developing anal cancer include the following:

• Anal intercourse: The human pillomavirus (HPV) can cause anal warts, which sometimes causes cancer. HPV can be transmitted through anal intercourse, and cannot be prevented by using condoms.
  
  
• Smoking: Smokers are eight times more likely than nonsmokers to develop anal cancer. Smokers can reduce their risk by quitting.
  
  
• Age: Anal cancer is most common in people over the age of 50 and highest in people over age 85.
  
  
• Other medical conditions:People with chronic problems in the anal area and people with lowered immune system function have an increased risk of developing anal cancer.

This page was last updated on: January 14, 2010.

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