Becoming Familiar with the Many Causes of Anal Cancer

It is still unknown what the exact causes of anal cancer are in individuals that end up suffering from the symptoms that are most commonly associated with this form of cancer. There is however a large number of different risk factors that can contribute to the number of individuals that end up suffering from this devastating disease. Below are some of the most common factors that many specialists and physicians believe to be risk factors of this type of disease.

• Other types of cancer

  There is a much higher risk of acquiring this form of cancer in male patients that have previously suffered from the affects of penile cancer, and it is also higher in women that have previously had cervical or vaginal cancer.

• Human papilloma virus (HPV)

  There are as many as 80% of the individuals that suffer from HPV, that also end up suffering from the symptoms that are commonly associated with anal cancer.

• An individual’s age

  Age is a factor that greatly affects the causes of anal cancer, as well as various other types of cancer. The older an individual becomes, the higher their chances become in acquiring this disease.

• Cigarette smoking

  Individuals that develop the unhealthy habit of cigarette smoking are much more likely to acquire anal cancer than in individuals that do not smoke.

• Anal lesions that are benign

  Benign anal lesions can be caused from various health conditions such as irritable bowel disease (IBD), cicatrices or fistulae, and hemorrhoids. These lesions can cause the risk to become higher in individuals with this type of problem.

• Several sex partners

  HPV is a common health condition that individuals with several sexual partners can acquire, which is also a health concern that is linked to cases of anal cancer.

• Immune system that is weak

  A weakened immune system is one of the common causes of anal cancer, and a variety of other types of diseases and health conditions as well. People that make it a point to eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and consume meals that are high in vitamins and mineral content, are much less likely to suffer from the problems that a weakened immune system can cause.

• Anal sexual intercourse

  Any individual that engages in anal sex are risking a much higher chance of acquiring anal cancer, than those that do not participate in this type of sexual activity. The risk in men that engage in this type of sexual activity that have been diagnosed as being positive with HIV, the chances of acquiring anal sex is as much as 90 times higher than in those without this disease.

To ensure that you do not end up suffering from the painful symptoms that can occur when an individual has, it is important to become aware of the causes of anal cancer. Leading a healthy life is also important and can be achieved by eating healthy foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function properly. Plenty of rest and exercise are also very important for good health.