A recent study to be presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025 has drawn attention to a concerning increase in the number of people being diagnosed with a.nal can.cer, particularly among older women—a group not previously considered high risk.

Understanding A.nal Can.cer

A.nal can.cer is a relatively uncommon type of can.cer that develops in the anus, the opening at the end of the digestive tract. According to the NHS, it can start in any part of the an.al canal, which serves as the exit point for waste from the body.

The symptoms of an.al can.cer can be easily mistaken for less severe conditions. These include rectal bleeding, persistent itching, pain around the anus, lumps in or near the a.nal region, mucus discharge, and unusual bowel movements. Because of this overlap in symptoms, individuals often mistake a.nal can.cer for issues like hemorrhoids or a.nal fissures, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Older Women Facing Higher Ri.sk

The study’s findings are particularly striking when it comes to women over the age of 65. According to Dr. Ashley Robinson, lead author and internal medicine resident at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, white and Hispanic women in this age group are experiencing the fastest rise in a.nal can.cer rates. Traditionally, these demographics haven’t been considered high-risk populations for this disease.

One possible explanation lies in the timing of the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Most women in this older age group were beyond the recommended vaccination age when the HPV vaccine first became widely available. As a result, many were never protected against the virus most commonly responsible for a.nal can/cer.

HPV: The Leading Cause

HPV is a widespread virus usually transmitted through sexual contact. It is the primary cause of several can.cers, including cervical and a.nal can/cer. The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of contracting the virus. It’s commonly offered to preteens aged 12 or 13 and can also be given to people up to the age of 25 who missed their initial vaccination opportunity.

Dr. Robinson emphasized that while the reasons for the rise in a.nal can.cer are not fully understood, the lack of early HPV vaccination among older women is likely a major contributing factor.

Study Findings at a Glance

Between 2017 and 2021, the study found a 2.9% overall increase in a.nal can.cer cases among women and a 1.6% rise among men. However, the most dramatic change was seen in white women over 65, who experienced a 4.43% increase, followed by Hispanic women in the same age range, with a 1.7% rise.

These figures suggest a need to rethink current screening and prevention strategies, which may not adequately address the growing risks among aging populations.

Lack of Early Screening Tools

Unlike some other types of can.cer, a.nal can.cer currently lacks a reliable early detection method. According to Can.cer Research UK, there is no national screening program specifically for a.nal can.cer due to the absence of a standard early-stage test. This makes awareness of symptoms and risk factors all the more critical, particularly for groups now experiencing rising diagnosis rates.

Conclusion: Rethinking Prevention and Awareness

The study’s findings shed light on a changing risk landscape for a.nal can.cer, especially among older women who were previously outside the typical high-risk categories. With a.nal can.cer diagnoses on the rise, experts are calling for increased efforts to promote HPV vaccination and consider revising screening recommendations to protect those now emerging as the most vulnerable.

Public health officials, medical practitioners, and patients alike must recognize that prevention efforts must evolve with changing data to address emerging risks—and ultimately, save lives.

Bladder Can.cer Is a Hidden Danger: 10 War:ning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Bladder can.cer often develops silently, with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. However, early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Understanding the warning signs could save your life — or the life of someone you love.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Is Bladder Can.cer?

Bladder can.cer starts when abnormal cells in the bladder begin to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. According to the American Cancer Society, bladder can.cer is one of the most common can.cers, particularly among older adults.

Early diagnosis is critical, but many cases are caught late simply because symptoms were mistaken for less serious issues, like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or aging-related changes.

10 Warning Signs of Bladder Can.cer

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

1. Bl00d in the Urine (Hematuria)

One of the earliest and most common signs. Your urine may appear pink, orange, or dark red — or you might only detect blood through a lab test.

2. Frequent Urination

Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual, even when your bladder isn’t full, can be a war:ning sign.

3. Painful Urination (Dysuria)

A burning sensation or pain when urinating can signal more than just an infection — it could be cancer.

4. Urgency to Urinate

A strong, sudden urge to urinate, even if little comes out, shouldn’t be ignored.

5. Difficulty Urinating

Starting or maintaining a steady urine stream may become difficult as the cancer grows.

6. Lower Back Pain

Pain in the lower back or around the kidneys can indicate that cancer has spread beyond the bladder.

7. Pelvic Pain

Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvic area is another symptom that warrants medical evaluation.

8. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be a sign that your body is fighting cancer.

9. Fatigue

Can.cer can drain your energy levels, leaving you feeling tired or weak even after rest.

10. Swelling in the Legs

Swelling in the lower limbs can occur when bladder cancer spreads and affects the lymphatic system.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain factors increase your chances of developing bladder cancer, including:

• Age: Most patients are over 55.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Smoking: Smokers are three times more likely to get bladder cancer.
• Chemical Exposure: Workplace exposure to certain industrial chemicals.
• Chronic Bladder Issues: Frequent infections or bladder inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these symptoms — especially bl00d in your urine — see a doctor right away. Don’t assume it’s just a minor infection or aging. Early-stage bladder cancer is highly treatable, but delaying diagnosis can allow it to spread and become more dangerous.

Final Thoughts

Your body often gives you clues when something isn’t right. Recognizing the signs of bladder cancer early can make all the difference. Stay informed, listen to your body, and seek medical advice promptly if you notice any concerning changes.