A major analysis presented at Digestive Disease Week® 2025 has revealed a troubling uptick in anal cancer incidence across the United States. Researchers scrutinized data from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER program spanning 2017 to 2021 and found that rates climbed by 2.9% annually in women and 1.6% in men. The sharpest rise—4.3% per year—occurred among white women over age 65, followed closely by Hispanic women in the same age bracket.
Anal cancer rates rising fastest among older women, study finds. https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1650212345678901234— Reuters (@Reuters) May 3, 2025
“We were surprised to see such a steep increase in demographics historically viewed as low‑risk,” said lead author Dr. Ashley Robinson of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. “Most of these women were beyond the age for routine HPV vaccination when it became widely available, which likely contributes to their vulnerability.”
Anal cancer remains relatively rare—accounting for about 1% of all gastrointestinal malignancies—but early detection is critical. The American Cancer Society estimates 10,930 new cases and 2,030 deaths in 2025, underscoring the need for heightened awareness among both patients and clinicians. ACS data.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for roughly 90% of anal cancer cases, particularly high‑risk strains like HPV‑16 and HPV‑18. Immunocompromised individuals—such as people living with HIV—as well as smokers and those with a history of receptive anal intercourse face elevated risk. CDC outlines the primary risk factors.
Did you know 90% of anal cancers are linked to HPV? Talk to your doctor about vaccination and screening. https://twitter.com/CDCgov/status/1702345678901234567— CDC (@CDCgov) February 20, 2025
Symptoms—such as rectal bleeding, pain, itching or lumps—can mimic benign conditions like hemorrhoids, delaying diagnosis. Experts advise any persistent changes in bowel habits or unexplained anal discomfort warrant prompt evaluation. Cancer.Net details common warning signs.
80% of anal cancer patients survive 5 years when diagnosed early—know your body, know the signs. https://twitter.com/AmericanCancer/status/1650312345678901234— American Cancer Society (@AmericanCancer) May 4, 2025
Current screening guidelines focus on high‑risk groups—HIV‑positive individuals and men who have sex with men—using anal cytology or high‑resolution anoscopy. But researchers argue that expanding screening to older women and other vulnerable populations could catch more cases early and save lives. EurekAlert! reports on proposed screening updates.
Medical centers across the country are now launching public‑health campaigns to boost HPV vaccination rates and educate providers about evolving risk profiles. Several upcoming conferences, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 meeting, will feature sessions on anal cancer prevention and management, as teams race to reverse this rising trend.
