Cases Of Anus Cancer Increase In Women In The United States

Illustration of health checks on women (Pexels/Thirdman)

JAKARTA - Anus cancer or anal cancer has increased dramatically among women in the United States (US). This increase was recorded in a recent study presented at the 2025 Digestive Disease Week (DDW).

In the study, the researchers analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute for the period 2017 to 2021, and found an alarming trend. It was found that during those five years cases of anus cancer increased 2.9 percent in women and 1.6 percent in men.

Uniquely, the increase in cases has increased, especially in groups that were not previously historically associated with anus cancer, namely white and hyspanic women.

Hispanic refers to individuals who have descendants or cultural backgrounds from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Central and South American countries.

The anus cancer rate is increasing the fastest among white women and Hispanics over 65 years of age. This group is traditionally not considered a high risk, said lead author Dr. Ashley Robinson, an internal disease resident at the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

According to the study, white women over 65 have experienced a drastic increase of 4.3 percent over the past five years. This reached 11.4 cases per 100 thousand people in 2021.

In hyspanic women in the same age group the increase with 7.5 cases per 100 thousand. This shows a more gradual annual increase of 1.7 percent.

The researchers say that the increase in cases of anus cancer among US women must be overcome. If this trend continues, it is estimated that cases of anus cancer in women over 65 can double in less than 17 years.