Reducing your risk for anal cancer

You may lower your risk of developing anal cancer by doing the following.

HPV infection is the main risk factor for anal cancer. The 3 HPV vaccines available in Canada are Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. These vaccines help protect against infection with HPV16 and HPV18, the 2 types of HPV most commonly associated with cancer. Gardasil 9 also protects against 5 other types of HPV that can cause cancer. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are approved to help prevent precancerous conditions of the anus and anal cancer associated with HPV infection. Cervarix is not currently approved for this use.

Get vaccinated or have your children vaccinated through school-based programs where available. If you are not eligible for a free vaccination, talk to your doctor about which vaccine is right for you and when you should have it.

The only sure way to prevent HPV infection is to completely avoid any genital contact with another person. Anyone who has had sex is at risk for HPV.

Talk to your partner about sexually transmitted infection (STI) and using protection. Remember that the previous sexual behaviours of your partner are also a risk for you, especially if they have had multiple partners.

If you are sexually active, use a condom to help protect against HPV. Condoms or other barriers can reduce HPV infection if they are put on before skin-to-skin sexual contact. However, skin that isn’t covered is not protected from the virus.

Smoking tobacco increases the risk of precancerous conditions and cancer of the anus. If you smoke, get help to quit smoking.

Some people can have a higher than average risk for anal cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk. If you are at higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for anal cancer. Your doctor will recommend what tests you should have and how often you should have them.

Learn how cancer can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk.