Causes and risk factors of anal cancer
There are some risk factors that can increase your chance of developing anal cancer. Most anal cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
What are risk factors?
Risk factors can increase the chance of a person developing a certain type of cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely get anal cancer. If you do not have any risk factors, it does not mean you will not get anal cancer.
Most anal cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Almost everyone will have HPV at some point. But not everyone will develop anal cancer.
If you are worried about anal cancer and would like to talk to someone, we're here. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
HPV is a virus that is linked to different cancers, including anal cancer. It is a common infection that is passed on through sexual contact. Most people have HPV at some point and never know they have had it.
There are over 100 types of HPV. Some types are more likely to cause cancer than others. Some types may cause genital warts. Using a condom can help reduce the risk of getting HPV.
Usually, our immune system gets rid of the HPV infection without it causing any problems. But a small number of HPV infections may lead to cancer developing.
We have more information about HPV and cancer.
Lowered immunity
The immune system is part of the body’s defence against infections. Anal cancer is more common in people who have a lower immunity. This includes:
- people with HIV
- people taking medicines to suppress their immune system after an organ transplant.
Sexual activity
Having lots of sexual partners increases the chance of getting HPV. But even a person with only one partner can have this virus.
Having anal sex increases the risk of anal cancer. But HPV is passed on easily through sexual contact. So people may develop anal cancer even if they have never had anal sex.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing anal cancer. If you are diagnosed with anal cancer, stopping smoking has lots of benefits. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about this.
Age
Like most types of cancer, the risk of developing anal cancer increases as you get older.
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN)
This is when abnormal cells develop in the skin just inside or outside the anus. This is usually caused by HPV.
Most people who have AIN have no symptoms. But symptoms can include:
- skin changes around the anus
- itching
- pain
- bleeding (but this is rare).
If AIN is left untreated, it can develop into anal cancer over many years.
Date reviewed
This content is currently being reviewed. New information will be coming soon.
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