Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Anal Cancer

Causes

The exact cause of cancer may be unknown. Risk factors are things that can make it more likely for someone to get cancer.

You might not be able to change some of your risk factors, but some lifestyle changes can lower your risk.

Some notable risk factors for anal cancer are:

  • Having an infection, which can be more likely if you have multiple sex partners
  • Having anal sex
  • Smoking
  • Having frequent inflammation in the anus area
  • Having a history of anal fistulas

Talk with your care team about your risk factors. They can help you lower or manage your risk.

Preventing Anal Cancer

There is no way to completely prevent anal cancer. However, there are things you can do to help lower your risk, including:

  • Get the HPV vaccine. This vaccine is most effective before you start being sexually active. However, there may still be benefits for people up to age 45. Ask your care team about getting the vaccine.
  • Use caution during sex. Receiving anal sex can increase your risk of anal cancer. Be sure to use protection. You can also reduce your number of sex partners.
  • Treat HIV. Over time, HIV can wear down your immune system and increase your risk for cancer or other diseases.
  • Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, speak to your care team.

Screening for Anal Cancer

You can get screened to check for cancer. Many people who get anal cancer first get precancer cells in the lining of their anus. Preventing or finding these cells is key.

Speak with your care team about testing for anal cancer. Some reasons to get a screening include having:

  • Regular anal sex
  • A history of cancer in the cervix, vagina or vulva
  • HIV
  • A previous organ transplant
  • A history of anal warts

Getting a Diagnosis

Your care team can ask you about your health, family history, symptoms and risk factors. They will likely do a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam. During this exam, a clinician will put a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check for lumps or other issues. You may also get blood tests and imaging tests.

A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose anal cancer. During a biopsy, your care team takes small pieces of tissue from the tumor and tests the sample(s) for cancer cells.

After you get a diagnosis, you will need more tests. These help your care team learn more about your health and the type of cancer you have, including the stage of cancer. The stage reflects the amount of cancer and how much has spread (metastasized) in your body.

Once you know your cancer stage, your care team will explore treatment options with you.