Risks Factors of Anal Cancer

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Anal cancer is a rare type cancer that affected men more than women but of late the trend has gone through a change and women are as prone of it as men. Likewise, older people are more likely to develop anal cancer than the young. The exact cause of anal cancer is not known but there are certainly several risk factors responsible for anal cancer.

Continuous research is going on in the field of anal cancer and doctors are coming up with new risk factors every day. If your body shows several of these risk factors, you must see a doctor but needn’t assume you may have anal cancer. The symptoms may be because of a simple infection also. So until you have gone to a doctor don’t jump to conclusion. But don’t take the risk factors causing anal factors casually either.

HPV Virus: This virus is very common in UK and almost 80% of the people in UK have been affected with it at some point of time in their life. It’s also known as wart virus. If you have a past or family history of HPV virus you are at an increased risk of being affected with anal cancer. The risk increases further if you or your family has a history of anal warts. HPV virus is transferred from one person to the other through sexual contact.

Sexually Transmitted Viruses: Sexually transmitted viruses such as, herpes virus, gonorrhea and syphilis are sexually transmitted infections, which put you at an increased risk of anal cancer. Sexually transmitted infections other than the one’s listed above also increase the risk of anal cancer in an individual.

Immune System Disorder: If your immune system is not strong enough to fight day-to-day infections you are more likely to be infected with anal cancer than people with a stronger immunity. Suppose you are on medication after some kind of operation or surgery and the course is affecting your immunity adversely then you are at an increased risk of developing anal cancer.

Smoking can also be one of the risk factors of anal cancer. Non-smokers are less likely to be affected with anal cancer than smokers. And the heavier you smoke; more likely are the chances of you getting anal cancer.

Lastly if you have a past history of cervical or vaginal cancer your risk factor for anal cancer increases. Women with a abnormal cells in the cervix are more likely to b infected with anal cancer. HPV virus, smoking, cervical cancer and anal cancer are very closely related. One leads to the other. One increases risk of the other etc.

The right time to see a doctor is when you face a situation and your body demands more than a casual glance. The earlier cancer is detected the sooner can treatments start and one stand a better chance of recovery and survival in such circumstances. And if after all the Xrays and tests it is found that you were unwell because of a simple infection, it’ worth the money spend. After all specialists has confirmed that you don’t suffer from anything serious. So you can rest in peace.  Sometimes a simple doubt can be extremely stressful. Therefore to get the headache get out of the way it’s best to consult a specialist or GP.