Pay Attention to Anal Cancer
Douglas K. Rex, MD, FASGE reviewing Deshmukh AA, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2019 Nov 19.
In the period 2001 to 2015, squamous cell carcinoma of the anus incidence increased by 2.7% per year and mortality increased by 3.1% per year, with both increasing the most in age groups 50 years and older. There were larger increases in distant-stage disease compared to regional or localized disease. Incidence increases were particularly high for black men, but increases in incidence and mortality were observed in both genders and all races, including blacks, whites, and Hispanics.
COMMENT
These data remind us that anal cancer is related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, and vaccination is now available for HPV infection for persons up to 45 years of age. Gastroenterologists and colonoscopists should be aware of this trend in anal cancer and the opportunity to make diagnoses during perianal exams, digital rectal exams, and colonoscopies.
Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.
Douglas K. Rex, MD, FASGE
CITATION(S)
Deshmukh AA, Suk R, Shiels MS, et al. Recent trends in squamous cell carcinoma of the anus incidence and mortality in the United States, 2001-2015. J Natl Cancer Inst 2019 Nov 19. (Epub ahead of print) (https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djz219)
