Statistics of Anal Cancer

Executive Summary

The number of anal cancer patients have increased in the past few years. Approximately 9,090 adults are diagnosed with anal cancer in the regions of United States. The older adults belonging to the age group of early 60s also has anal cancer. Additionally, most 69% of the population have been estimated for 5-year survival rate for anal cancer patients. While approx. 48% of the population with anal cancer at the stage where cancer is only in the anus. The estimation for anal cancer might shows variation in the result with better diagnosis or treatment that was available for less than five years.

Statistics of Anal Cancer

Based on the statistics of anal cancer, an estimated 9,090 adults (3,020 men and 6,070 women) will be diagnosed with anal cancer this year in the United States ​1​. In recent years, the number of new cases has increased. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most squamous cell carcinomas of the anal region.

The average age at diagnosis of anal cancer is in the early 60s. Anal cancer is rare in people under the age of 35. The 5-year survival rate displays the percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer diagnosis. Percentage means some out of 100 people.

The 5-year Survival Rate

The 5-year survival rate for anal cancer patients is almost 69%. However, survival depends on many factors, including the type of anal cancer and the extent and stage of cancer at detection ​2​. In case cancer is diagnosed only in the anus, the 5-year survival rate is estimated to be 82%. About 48% of people get initial diagnosis at this stage. If anal cancer has spread to surrounding tissues and organs and regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 66%.

Also Read: Diagnostic Approaches

If cancer has spread far away from the body, the 5-year survival rate is about 34%. It is essential to remember that survival statistics for patients with anal cancer are estimates. Estimates are from annual data based on the number of patients with this cancer in the United States.

In addition, experts measure survival statistics every five years. Therefore, this estimate may not reflect the results of a better diagnosis or treatment that was available for less than five years. Talk to your health practitioner if you have any questions about this information.

References

  1. 1.
    Shiels M, Kreimer A, Coghill A, Darragh T, Devesa S. Anal Cancer Incidence in the United States, 1977-2011: Distinct Patterns by Histology and Behavior. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2015;24(10):1548-1556. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-0044
  2. 2.
    Salati S, Al K. Anal cancer – a review. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2012;6(2):206-230. doi:10.12816/0006000