Anal cancer risk factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamad Alkateb, MBBCh [2]
Overview
The most potent risk factor in the development of anal cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Other risk factors include receptive anal intercourse with multiple sexual partners, smoking, and immunosuppression.
Common Risk Factors
Common risk factors associated with anal cancer are:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, notably HPV-16.[1]
- Sexual activity: Having multiple sex partners or having anal sex, due to the increased risk of exposure to the HPV virus.[2]
- Smoking: Current smokers are several times more likely to develop anal cancer compared with nonsmokers.[2]
- Immunosuppression, which is often associated with HIV infection.[2]
- Being older than 50 years [3]
- Frequent anal redness, swelling, and soreness [3]
- Having anal fistulas (abnormal openings) [3]
References
- ↑ New England Journal of Medicine. 1997 Nov 6;337(19):1350-8
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 American Cancer Society.“What Are the Risk Factors for Anal Cancer?”
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 National Cancer Institute. Physician Data Query Database 2015. http://www.cancer.gov/types/anal/patient/anal-treatment-pdq
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