Causes of anal cancer

Main cause of anal cancer

Most anal cancers are caused by an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can get HPV from:

• any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
• vaginal, anal or oral sex
• sharing sex toys

Who is more likely to get anal cancer

Anal cancer is rare. Most people affected by HPV will not develop cancer.

You may be more likely to get anal cancer if you:

• have anal sex
• are over the age of 75
• smoke
• have had cervical, vaginal or vulval cancer
• have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or an organ transplant

How to reduce your risk of getting anal cancer

You cannot always prevent anal cancer. HPV vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against anal cancer.

All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, as well as genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is also recommended for other groups at higher risk of getting HPV, including:

• men aged 45 years old and under who have sex with men
• trans men and trans women aged 45 years old and under if their risk of getting HPV is the same as men who have sex with men
• sex workers
• people with HIV

There are also healthy changes you can make to lower your chances of getting anal cancer.

Get your symptoms checked

It's important to get any symptoms of anal cancer checked by a GP.

Anyone can get anal cancer, even if you do not think you have a higher chance of getting it.