Risk Factors

Risk factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease, including:

• Use of immunosuppressant medications: These drugs suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy cells.
• Having HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): Infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for anal cancer, as most squamous cell anal cancers are linked to infection with HPV.
• Being 55 years or older: Anal cancer is more commonly detected in people within this age range.
• Smoking: Tobacco use raises the likelihood of developing various types of cancer, including anal cancer.
• Conditions or medications that compromise the immune system: For instance, individuals who have had organ transplants often need medication to prevent organ rejection, which can weaken immune defences.
• Sexual intercourse: People who have anal intercourse may have an increased risk of anal cancer. This could be due to the increased risk of HPV infection.
• Presence of an anal fistula: This abnormal passage connects the anus to the surrounding skin and can elevate cancer risk.
• History of other cancers: A previous diagnosis of certain cancers can increase susceptibility to anal cancer (Tseng et al., 2003.).