In addition to HPV, there are other risk factors that could increase your chance of developing anal cancer, including:
- Immunosuppressants. These are medications that stop your immune system from damaging healthy cells.
- Engaging in anal *** as the receiving partner. This is true for both men and women. In general, having multiple partners for any type of *** increases your risk for HPV, HIV and anal cancer.
- Age. The majority of anal cancer diagnoses are made in people aged 55 and over.
- Smoking. People who smoke are more likely to develop cancer of all kinds.
- Having an impaired immune system due to disease or medication use. (For instance, people who are organ recipients must take medicine to prevent organ rejection).
- Having an anal fistula (an abnormal opening), which goes from your anus to the skin around your anus or occasionally to another place in your body.