BMJ 2014;348:g3747 doi: 10.1136/bmj.g3747 (Published 6 June 2014)
Page 1 of 2
News
NEWS Anal cancer rates quadruple among UK women in past 40 years Jacqui Wise London, UK
The rate of anal cancer in women has risen steeply since the mid-1970s, from 0.4 per 100 000 to 1.8 per 100 000 in 2009-11, according to new UK figures.1 Cancer Research UK’s figures show that cases of anal cancer in men have also risen, from 0.4 per 100 000 in 1975-77 to 1.2 per 100 000 in 2009-11.
In 2011 there were 1175 new cases of anal cancer in the United Kingdom: 414 in men and 761 in women, giving a male:female ratio of around 10:18. The latest figures also show that death rates for anal cancer have more than quadrupled since the mid-1970s, with around six people dying every week from the disease in the UK. In 2011 there were 299 deaths from anal cancer in the UK: 113 in men and 186 in women.
Nick Ormiston-Smith, Cancer Research UK’s head of statistics, said, “These are very worrying findings and highlight an increase in a cancer that’s not often talked about. Around 1200 people are diagnosed with cancer of the anus every year in the UK, which means it’s still relatively rare. But the rise in incidence, particularly in women, is concerning.” The rise is believed to be linked to the increasing prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). An estimated 90% of anal cancer cases in the UK are linked to HPV infection. The introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls is expected to help reduce the rates of HPV related cancers in the UK in the future. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is
For personal use only: See rights and reprints http://www.bmj.com/permissions
currently considering whether to extend the vaccination programme to boys.
Research into sexual attitudes has indicated that more heterosexual couples are having anal intercourse, which may account for the higher rates of the disease among women.2 Smoking is also a risk factor for the disease; and although smoking rates have fallen since the 1970s, the drop has been smaller in women than in men.
Jessica Kirby, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said, “Anal cancer is closely linked to HPV, and changes in sexual attitudes mean people are increasingly exposed to the virus. We’re not suggesting people take a vow of celibacy, but HPV vaccination, using a condom, and being a non-smoker can all help to reduce the risk.” She also emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and urged people to go to their GP if they notice bleeding from the anus or changes in bowel habits. 1 2
Cancer Resarch UK. Anal cancer: trends over time. www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerinfo/cancerstats/types/anal-cancer/Incidence/#Trends. Mercer C, Tanton C, Prah P, Erens B, Sonnenberg P, Clifton S, et al. Changes in sexual attitudes and lifestyles in Britain through the life course and over time: findings from the National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal). Lancet 2013;383:1781-94.
Cite this as: BMJ 2014;348:g3747 © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 2014
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BMJ 2014;348:g3747 doi: 10.1136/bmj.g3747 (Published 6 June 2014)
Page 2 of 2
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Page 1 of 2
News
NEWS Anal cancer rates quadruple among UK women in past 40 years Jacqui Wise London, UK
The rate of anal cancer in women has risen steeply since the mid-1970s, from 0.4 per 100 000 to 1.8 per 100 000 in 2009-11, according to new UK figures.1 Cancer Research UK’s figures show that cases of anal cancer in men have also risen, from 0.4 per 100 000 in 1975-77 to 1.2 per 100 000 in 2009-11.
In 2011 there were 1175 new cases of anal cancer in the United Kingdom: 414 in men and 761 in women, giving a male:female ratio of around 10:18. The latest figures also show that death rates for anal cancer have more than quadrupled since the mid-1970s, with around six people dying every week from the disease in the UK. In 2011 there were 299 deaths from anal cancer in the UK: 113 in men and 186 in women.
Nick Ormiston-Smith, Cancer Research UK’s head of statistics, said, “These are very worrying findings and highlight an increase in a cancer that’s not often talked about. Around 1200 people are diagnosed with cancer of the anus every year in the UK, which means it’s still relatively rare. But the rise in incidence, particularly in women, is concerning.” The rise is believed to be linked to the increasing prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). An estimated 90% of anal cancer cases in the UK are linked to HPV infection. The introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls is expected to help reduce the rates of HPV related cancers in the UK in the future. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is
For personal use only: See rights and reprints http://www.bmj.com/permissions
currently considering whether to extend the vaccination programme to boys.
Research into sexual attitudes has indicated that more heterosexual couples are having anal intercourse, which may account for the higher rates of the disease among women.2 Smoking is also a risk factor for the disease; and although smoking rates have fallen since the 1970s, the drop has been smaller in women than in men.
Jessica Kirby, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said, “Anal cancer is closely linked to HPV, and changes in sexual attitudes mean people are increasingly exposed to the virus. We’re not suggesting people take a vow of celibacy, but HPV vaccination, using a condom, and being a non-smoker can all help to reduce the risk.” She also emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and urged people to go to their GP if they notice bleeding from the anus or changes in bowel habits. 1 2
Cancer Resarch UK. Anal cancer: trends over time. www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerinfo/cancerstats/types/anal-cancer/Incidence/#Trends. Mercer C, Tanton C, Prah P, Erens B, Sonnenberg P, Clifton S, et al. Changes in sexual attitudes and lifestyles in Britain through the life course and over time: findings from the National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal). Lancet 2013;383:1781-94.
Cite this as: BMJ 2014;348:g3747 © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 2014
Subscribe: http://www.bmj.com/subscribe
BMJ 2014;348:g3747 doi: 10.1136/bmj.g3747 (Published 6 June 2014)
Page 2 of 2
NEWS
Figure
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