New Study Finds Anal Cancer Rates Rising, Especially Among Older Women

A recent study has found that anal cancer cases are on the rise, with a particular increase seen in older women.

Using data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute between 2017 and 2021, researchers observed a notable uptick in anal cancer diagnoses—especially among women over the age of 65.

Anal cancer develops in the anal canal, located at the end of the rectum. Symptoms can include bleeding, anal pain, itching, or the presence of a lump, which is sometimes mistaken for hemorrhoids.

The study, presented at Digestive Disease Week, reported that anal cancer rates rose by 2.9% in women and 1.6% in men during the four-year period. The most significant increase occurred among white and Hispanic women aged 65 and older—groups not previously seen as high risk.

Who is most at risk?

Women over 65 experienced the highest annual increase at 4.3%, followed by Hispanic women in the same age group, with a 1.7% rise. If this trend continues, cases among women in this demographic could double in less than 17 years.

Lead author Dr. Ashley Robinson, a second-year internal medicine resident at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, suggested that lower HPV vaccination rates in this age group could be a contributing factor. The HPV virus is responsible for most anal cancer cases, and the vaccine was only introduced in the U.S. in 2006—after many in this demographic were beyond the target age for vaccination.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is spread through skin-to-skin contact, typically during sexual activity. It is linked to several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, oral, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancer.

The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for young people up to age 26, ideally before they become sexually active. In the UK, children aged 12–13 are routinely offered the vaccine.

“The HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing anal cancer,” said Dr. Robinson. “These findings highlight the need to raise awareness, promote vaccination, and consider updated screening guidelines—especially for groups now showing increased risk.”

Currently, older women are not routinely screened for anal cancer, but this study suggests that targeted screening may be beneficial.