Understanding the Connection Between Anal Sex and Anal Cancer

anal cancer, anal health, anal sex, anal sex and cancer, anal sex health, dr yvonne, feature 1 - By dryvonne on Friday, March 25, 2011 - 10:20

Typically, when people think about the risks associated with anal sex, HIV is the first factor that jumps to mind. Yet while every person who is sexually active needs to be mindful about protecting themselves against the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, they also need to give more attention to the potential transmission of another sexually transmitted infection – HPV (human papilloma virus).

Not only do lovers have to worry about any potential anal warts outbreak caused by the virus, but they need to consider its link to anal cancer as well. With 85% of anal cancer cases associated with HPV, engaging in anal sex may increase your risk of eventually developing this disease, that is, unless you use prophylactics.

While most don’t know that they have it, HPV is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted viral infections. Just one sexual encounter with an HPV-infected lover, sans protection, carries a 60% chance of the virus getting transmitted. HPV strains #16 and #18 can both cause precancerous cells in the anal canal, a.k.a., “anal intraepithelial neoplasia.” These strains are believed to cause anal warts and anal cancer.

The trauma endured by the anal epithelium during anal intercourse is thought to be a factor in the development of these health issues as well. This is due to the fact that the area between the anus and rectum is a more common site of cancer cells (the ones that cause anal canal cancer) than anal margin cancer, which is near the opening and on one’s external skin.

Who is at risk?
Females tend to get anal cancer more often than males, yet a 2010 study found that men who are gay and bisexual are 35 times likelier to develop anal cancer than the rest of the general population. Men who are HIV-positive are 80 times more susceptible to anal cancer, with almost 93% of them having acquired HPV in their anal canals.

How do you prevent HPV infection?
While acknowledging the impact any STI can have on your life and well being is certainly stressful, the decisions and actions you take now can save you (and your lover) a great deal of grief in the long-run. In protecting your health, as well as that of your partner’s, be sure to:

Get tested. It’s important that anyone who has been sexually active be screened for HPV.

Educate yourself. Learn more about the causes of anal cancer and ways to protect yourself.

Use condoms. Prophylactics offer some – but not 100% - protection against HPV, since the virus is transmitted namely via skin-on-skin sex play. Safer sex products like condoms can, though, protect the areas that they cover.

Minimize conditions that slightly increase your risk of acquiring HPV. A chronic local inflammation, like an anal fistula or open wound, should be treated.

Limit your number of sexual partners. Such can help to limit your exposure, provided your lovers have been good about practicing safer sex themselves.

Consider vaccination. If you’re in your mid-twenties or younger, whether male or female, you may be eligible for an HPV vaccination.

Quit smoking. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a higher rate of anal cancer in smokers.

Stay healthy. A weakened immune system may trigger the development of anal cancer if HPV is present in your anal area.

Don’t panic. Anal cancer accounts for only about 1-2% of gastrointestinal cancers, so it’s considered fairly uncommon. Still, with about 4,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. every year, you want to make sure that you’re not one of them. Be sure to take care of yourself!

Author: Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright PhD

Photo By: Better Sex®