*Anal cancer cases are rising in the U.S., and new research reveals a shift in who is most at risk.
According to a study analyzing National Cancer Institute data from 2017 to 2021, older women, particularly white and Hispanic women over the age of 65, are experiencing the sharpest increases in diagnosis rates, per the New York Post.
“Rates of anal cancer are rising fastest among white and Hispanic women over 65 — groups not traditionally considered high risk,” said Dr. Ashley Robinson, lead author of the study.
White women in that age group saw the largest jump, with incidence climbing 4.3% during the study period to 11.4 cases per 100,000 in 2021. Hispanic women experienced a slower annual rise of 1.7%, reaching 7.5 cases per 100,000.
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Researchers warn that if this trend persists, the number of anal cancer cases among older women could double within 17 years. The precise reason for this rise remains unclear, but Robinson suggests a likely factor: many older women missed out on the HPV vaccine when it became available in 2006. Since 90% of anal cancers are linked to HPV infections, this vaccination gap could be significant.
HPV, a virus primarily spread through sexual contact, can cause abnormal cell changes that lead to various cancers, including anal, cervical, and throat cancers. Though the vaccine is highly effective, its benefits are most pronounced when administered before exposure to the virus, ideally by age 26.
Currently, routine anal cancer screening is limited to high-risk populations such as people with HIV or those who are immunocompromised. But Robinson believes these new findings suggest it’s time to reconsider. “These findings highlight specific patient groups who may benefit from targeted screening for anal HPV and anal cancer,” she said.
While anal cancer still makes up just 1% of gastrointestinal cancers, early detection is critical. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is 83%. If the disease spreads, that rate drops dramatically to 36%.
“It’s crucial that we promote HPV vaccination as a key tool for preventing anal cancer, while also keeping health care providers informed as screening guidelines evolve,” Robinson said.
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