Anal Cancer Screening

Each year about 9,440 people in the United States are diagnosed with anal cancer. In the U.S., 80% of anal cancers are of the squamous cell type. This type of anal cancer is often caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).

Info About This Test

Who Should Get This Test?

Anal cancer screening is not recommended for the general population. However, screening tests may help to find anal cancer early in people at higher risk for anal cancer. Those at high risk who may benefit from screening include:

Men who have sex with men.
Women with a history of cervical or vulvar cancer.
HIV-positive status.
Anyone who has received an organ transplant.

Risk Factors

Receptive anal intercourse.
History of many sexual partners.
HPV infection, in particular HPV-16.
Anal warts themselves don't turn into cancer, but people with anal warts are more likely to develop anal cancer. HPV-6 and HPV-11 cause anal warts.
Having had cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.
Immunosuppression, especially in those who have HIV. This also includes those that have had organ transplants and take medication to suppress their immune system.
Smoking.