HPV Related Anal Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention

Anal cancer has been a hush-hush topic for some time now, due to the stigma surrounding it. But just like any other cancer, knowing the causes of anal cancer, different stages and risk factors is important. This kind of awareness can help individuals catch the cancer in time, before it progresses to a dangerous stage.
 
So let’s discuss everything you need to know about anal cancer, and how it is connected to HPV.

What is anal cancer and its causes?

As you may know, cancer begins when the cells in our body undergo abnormal growth, and divide without stopping. Anal cancer is caused by this abnormal growth in the cells around, or just inside the anal opening.
 
This form of cancer is considered rare in people younger than 352, since anal cancer usually affects people over the age of 55.

Anal Cancer and HPV

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection linked to various different cancers, including anal cancer. In fact, HPV infection happens to be the main risk factor for anal cancer, with 9 out of 10 anal cancer patients testing positive for HPV.
 
In most cases, HPV resolves by itself, but it may also happen that the body is not able to fight the virus. In such cases, prolonged HPV infection may lead to anal squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of anal cancer. 

HPV and Anal Warts

HPV can also lead to the formation of anal warts. If left untreated, the warts tend to grow in size and multiply. This can lead to an increased risk of anal cancer.
 
Treatment options for anal warts include:

1. Topical medication: Small anal warts can be treated by simple medication that can be applied directly to the warts, under a doctor’s supervision.
2. Cryotherapy: In cryotherapy, the anal warts are frozen off using liquid nitrogen, by a trained physician.
3. Surgery: Treatment for severe cases of anal warts may include surgical removal.

Risk Factors of Anal Cancer

There are a few risk factors that can increase your chances of getting anal cancer.

1. HPV infection: As we’ve seen, HPV happens to be the biggest risk factor for anal cancer, over 90% of anal cancer cases are caused by HPV alone.
2. Old age: Anal cancer is rare in people younger than 35 and is found mainly in older adults.
3. Sexual habits: Engaging in certain sexual practices, such as receptive anal sex, can greatly increase your chances of acquiring anal cancer.
4. HIV infection: HIV can weaken the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections such as HPV.
5. Cigarette smoking: Studies show that there are links between cigarette usage and anal cancer, which can increase your risk of acquiring the condition.
6. Immunosuppression: Chronic immunosuppression may increase the risk of anal cancer as it weakens the immune system, lowering the body’s ability to fight HPV infection.

Symptoms of Anal Cancer

So how would you know if you have anal cancer? Here is the list of a few common anal cancer symptoms to look out for:

• Bleeding from the rectum
• Lasting itchiness
• A lump or mass at the anal opening
• Pain in the anal area
• A feeling of fullness around the anus
• Changes in bowel movements such as narrowing of the stool 
• Discharge from the anus, such as mucus or pus
• Swollen lymph nodes around the anus and groin

Anal Cancer Prevention

Avoiding risk factors, such as smoking, is important for anal cancer prevention. Another preventive measure that you can take, is HPV vaccination.
 
Since HPV is the main culprit behind most anal cancer cases, vaccinating against HPV can help reduce the risk of HPV-related anal cancer. HPV vaccination is demonstrated to help provide better protection when given at a young age before a person is exposed to HPV.
 
In fact, HPV vaccination can help provide multifold benefits, as it can prevent other types of cancers caused by HPV, such as cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer. Know more about HPV signs & types.
 
At the end of the day, awareness is an important factor in discussions around anal cancer. Open dialogue about this form of cancer can encourage individuals to take the necessary preventive measures to help protect themselves.

Disclaimer: HPV – Human Papillomavirus. This information is intended for awareness purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor.

*Image for representation purpose only

IN-GSL-00811 – 12/2/2024 – 19/12/2025