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HPV & Anal Cancer

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a common virus that is spread during skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Around 90% of the population has probably been exposed to HPV. 

There are over 200 different kinds of HPV, but only about 20 commonly infect the genital and anal region. Low-risk HPV can cause warts. High-risk HPV can cause anal, cervical, penile, vulvar or vaginal cancer if it isn’t caught early. 

HPV is the main cause of anal cancer in men and women. In fact, over 90% of anal cancers are caused by HPV. 

Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is relatively uncommon compared with other cancers. But the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 8,580 new cases of anal cancer in the U.S. this year – 5620 will be women and 2960 will be men. It also estimates that there will be 1,160 deaths from anal cancer, 680 will be women and 480 will be men. Almost all cases of anal cancer are in people 35 years of age or older.  When caught early, anal cancer responds very well to treatment.

Symptoms

HPV usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. But eventually, symptoms may include:

  • Anal bleeding  
  • Anal pain  
  • Tenderness around the anus 
  • Warts that itch or bleed in the anal canal 
  • A hard lump that appears to increase in size

When to see a doctor

If you have HPV, you may not have any symptoms. It’s important to see a doctor if you’re at risk or have symptoms.

Causes and risk factors

Anal HPV is more common in people who have a history of receptive anal intercourse. However, it’s possible to develop anal HPV infection without having receptive anal intercourse, especially in women and HIV positive people. 

 

Women with a history of HPV infection of the cervix also have a high rate of anal HPV infection, even if they haven’t had receptive anal intercourse.  

 

Risk factors for developing HPV or anal cancer are: 

  • HIV infection
  • Sexual activity and multiple sex partners
  • Lowered immunity 
  • Precancerous conditions in anal and genital tract
  • Smoking

Treatment options

An HPV infection can clear up on its own. But, in some cases, it may cause additional problems. For example, treatment may be required for warts or other symptoms. In rare cases, an anal HPV infection will develop into anal cancer. However, if caught early, anal cancer often responds to chemotherapy and radiation. 

 

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have HPV. They may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Anoscopy
  • Anal pap smear

Prevention

While it’s easy to get HPV, condoms are about 70% effective at reducing transmission.

 

Vaccines are currently available for the HPV strains most likely to cause cancer. These vaccines are proving to work, but they must be given before boys and girls become sexually active (between ages 9 and 14). Once vaccination rates increase, it’s likely that anal and other HPV-related cancer rates will drop.

 

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The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.
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