In recent health reports, a surprising trend appeared with a significant increase in the diagnosis of anal cancer – a rare but serious condition that many do not know about.
In the week of digestive diseases (DDW) 2025, experts reveal a disturbing detection of a study that points to a growing number of cases, especially among populations that were once considered to be a lower risk.
Although this type of cancer may seem unusual, statistics are changing and the reasons for this rise are alarming and mysterious. What is even more concerned? Anal cancer is often incorrectly diagnosed, overlooked or wrong for something less serious, leading to delayed treatment. Could we face a quiet health crisis that is more common than we realize?
A recent study, which is to be presented at the week of digestive diseases (DDW) 2025, emphasizes the increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with anal cancer.
Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the rectum, opening at the end of the digestive tract. It can evolve in any area of ​​the rectum where the intestine connects to the outside of the body.
The common symptoms of anal cancer include rectal bleeding, itching and pain around the area, lumps near or inside the rectum, draining mucus and intestinal problems.
This type of cancer is often wrong in less serious conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal cracks.
According to the study, it seems that some demography are more vulnerable to anal cancer.
“The anal cancer rate is growing fastest between white and Hispanic women over 65 years-groups who were not traditionally considered to be high-risk,” said Ashley Robinson, MD, the second year of internal medical resident in lawyer Lutheran General Hospital.
The primary cause of anal cancer is often a viral infection known as human papillomavirus (HPV).
“While the reasons for this trend are not fully understood, many older women were over the recommended age for HPV vaccination when it was first widely available,” Robinson explained.
The HPV vaccine reduces the risk of closing the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spreading by skin contact, usually during sexual activity.
This vaccine is generally offered to children aged 12 to 13 years and individuals over 25 who may have missed their initial dose.
“It is essential that we advocate HPV vaccination as a key measure to prevent anal cancer while maintaining health care providers updated about developing instructions for screening,” Robinson. “These findings suggest that specific patient groups could benefit from targeted screening for anal HPV and cancer.”
A study conducted between 2017 and 2021 found that the anal cancer rate increased by 2.9% for women and 1.6% in men. The most important increase was observed in white women over 65 years, with an increase of 4.43%. Hispanic women in the same age group also recorded an increase, with an increase of 1.7% during the five -year study period.
According to Cancer Research UK, there is currently no national screening program for anal cancer due to lack of reliable test that would detect it in its early stages.
In conclusion, the growing level of anal cancer, especially in white and Hispanic women over 65 years of age, emphasizes the importance of continuing research and effort for public health.
While the connection to HPV infection remains an important factor, the lack of timely detection methods emphasizes the need for improved screening procedures.
As the study suggests, promoting HPV vaccination and raising awareness of the risks associated with anal cancer could reduce the number of diagnoses in the future.
It is essential for health care providers to remain informed of these trends and continue to educate patients, especially patients who are higher risk, prevention and timely detection.