What are Anal Cancer Risk Factors?
Here are some of the risk factors that can increase a patient's chances of developing anal cancer:
Age
As per different studies conducted, increasing age is one of the important anal cancer risk factors. Also, this cancer develops commonly among the age group of people above 50, but younger people who suffer from different sexually transmitted diseases are also at risk.
Anal intercourse
People who often get involved in unprotected anal sexual intercourse are at a high risk of getting anal carcinoma. The reason is that such sexual relations could lead to an increase in HPV infections, one of the main anal cancer causes.
Being infected with HPV
Getting infected with HPV is one of the main anal cancer risk factors. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of 150 viruses that can cause different kinds of cancer. Most squamous cell anal cancers are related to HPV infections.
Chronic local inflammation
Chronic local inflammation, which is caused by chronic wounds in the anus, infections, and metabolic disorders, is one of crucial anal cancer risk factors. Also, there are some other signs, such as redness in the anus, soreness, and swelling in the anal region, that can again increase the chances of getting cancer.
Immunosuppression
As per experts, though the direct role of immunosuppression in causing anal carcinoma is not clear, it can still be counted as a risk factor. Immunosuppression is known as the quelling of the human body's ability to fight different infections and diseases. Doctors believe that immunosuppression makes it difficult for the body to fight infections, such as HPV or HIV, eventually leading to anal carcinoma.
Smoking
Smoking is not only of the anal cancer risk factors but it also increases the chances of its recurrence.
Prevention Measures of Anal Cancer
Anal cancer prevention is not completely possible, but with the help of some preventive measures, your risk may definitely be reduced. These measures also help with preventive oncology, an effective line of cancer treatment.
Quit smoking
According to experts, quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can definitely reduce the chances of developing an anal tumor. There have been various studies that have shown that smokers face a higher risk of getting cancer compared to people who have quit. Thus,as an effective anal cancer prevention measure, quitting smoking definitely reduces the chances of anal cancer in women and men.
Avoid unprotected anal intercourse
Another anal cancer prevention measure is to avoid getting involved in unprotected anal intercourse. Having many sexual partners or having receptive anal intercourse increases the patient's chances of getting HPV, one of the main causes of anal tumors.
Use condoms to prevent HIV or HPV infections.
Using condoms definitely decreases the chances of getting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, thus working as a preventive measure for anal cancer in women as well as men. However, there have not been sufficient studies to prove that condoms can prevent HPV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, lifestyle changes such as indulging in smoking or having many sexual partners increase the risk of developing anal carcinoma.
Anal cancer is an uncommon cancer that occurs mainly in the age group above 50 years. However, younger people who are suffering from HPV infection or various immunocompromised conditions may have an increased risk of getting this cancer.
Certain inherited genetic mutations can lead to anal carcinoma in people. Reports suggest that mutations in the PIK3CA, MLH1, and TP53 genes can lead to anal tumor formation. Also, as per studies, anal carcinoma is common among black men and white women.
There is no definite way of preventing anal carcinoma, but adopting certain measures can reduce the chances of getting this cancer and help in possible anal cancer prevention.
Anal cancer is, altogether, a rare type of cancer, and many reports suggest that this cancer type is more common in men than women. It may be rare, but women still get diagnosed with anal carcinoma and will need a personalized care approach for successful management of the condition.
