Can HPV infection cause anal cancer?

HPV infection itself is common and often clears without causing cancer. Cancer can develop when a high-risk HPV type remains in anal tissue and abnormal cells accumulate further changes over time.

High-risk HPV can disrupt the controls that normally govern how cells grow and repair themselves. Persistent infection may first produce a precancerous anal lesion. A precancer is not the same as invasive cancer, and it can sometimes be detected and managed before it progresses. Anal cancer associated with HPV may present with bleeding, pain, a lump, itching, or a change in bowel habits, but these symptoms also have non-cancerous causes.

Ask whether HPV vaccination is suitable for you; it prevents new infections with covered HPV types but does not treat an infection already present. There is no single routine anal-screening plan for everyone. A clinician may recommend an anal examination, cell sampling, or a closer inspection called high-resolution anoscopy for people with particular risk factors. Avoid smoking, because tobacco can make it harder for the body to control HPV-related cell changes.

Book a medical assessment for persistent anal bleeding, a new lump, ongoing pain or pressure, discharge, sores that do not heal, or a sustained change in bowel control or stool shape. Heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, severe pain, or inability to pass stool needs urgent care. Evaluation may include inspection and a gentle internal examination; a tissue sample is required to diagnose cancer.

Discuss whether your immune health, previous HPV-related lesions, smoking, or other medical history changes the value of screening. Ask which anal symptoms to report, whether vaccination could still benefit you, and what an abnormal screening result would mean.