Cases Of Anus Cancer Explode Among US Women, Recognize The Causes And How To Prevent It

JAKARTA - An anus cancer, one type of digestive system cancer that is classified as rare, is now experiencing a sharp spike among elderly women in the United States.

The significant increase was recorded mainly in white and hygienic women.

Hyspanic is a term used to refer to descendants or backgrounds from Spain. In fact, the group was previously rarely associated with this type of cancer.

This was revealed in a recent study presented at the 2025 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) event.

Groups known to be more susceptible to cancer include HIV sufferers, men from the LGBTQ community, recipients of organ transplants, and women with a history of vulva cancer or precancerous conditions.

In this study, the researchers analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute during the 2017 to 2021 period and found an alarming trend. In those five years, an anus cancer cases increased by 2.9% in women and 1.6% in men.

The most surprising thing is that this spike actually occurs among white women and herpanics, a group that has not been considered at high risk of an anus cancer.

The anus cancer case is increasing the fastest among white women and Hispanics over 65, a group that is not considered at high risk, said lead author of the study, Dr. Ashley Robinson, a resident in the field of internal medicine at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, quoted from the Times of India page.

In its report, it was stated that white women over the age of 65 experienced the biggest spike, namely an increase of 4.3% in five years, with the number of cases reaching 11.4 per 100,000 people in 2021. Meanwhile, hypanic women at the same age recorded 7.5 cases per 100,000, with an annual increase of 1.7%.

Researchers warn that if this trend continues, the number of cases of anus cancer in women over 65 years could double in less than 17 years.

As is known, anus cancer develops in the anus channel tissue or layer, a path that connects the anus with the rectum, the bottom part of the digestive system. If detected and treated in the early stages, this cancer is very likely to be cured.

Symptoms of anus cancer include rectal bleeding, especially during bowel movements, lumps or masses around the anus, pain, changes in the pattern of bowel movements, leakage, and continuous defecation.

Although the exact cause is not yet known, around 90% of anus cancer cases are related to certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. However, the majority of people infected with HPV do not develop anus cancer.

Why Are Anus Cancer Cases Increasing Among Elderly Women?

The HPV vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006 and was originally recommended for individuals aged 9 to 26, with the aim of being given before individuals are at risk of being exposed to HPV through sexual activity.

The increase in anus cancer cases in women over 65 years of age is thought to be because they are outside the recommended age range when this vaccine becomes widely available.

"Meski alasan pasti dari tren ini masih belum jelas, sebagian besar perempuan lansia berada di luar usia yang dikomendumkan untuk vaksinasi HPV ketika vaksin ini mulai tersedia," jelas Dr. Robinson.

How To Control The Spike In Cases

Like other cancers, there is no fully guaranteeing the prevention of anus cancer. However, risks can be reduced by not smoking, implementing safe sex, and most importantly getting the HPV vaccine if it is included in the eligible group.

The HPV vaccine not only prevents anus cancer, but also various other types of cancer such as oral and throat cancer, cervical cancer, and penis cancer.

"It is important for us to promote HPV vaccination as the main tool in preventing anus cancer, while continuing to update information for health workers as screening guidelines develop," said Dr. Robinson.

"These findings highlight certain groups of patients who may benefit from HPV anus screening and anus cancer in a more targeted manner." he continued.