New Research Highlights Increased Risk of Anal Cancer in Women with Prior Cervical Cancer

Recent findings from the Medical University of South Carolina's Hollings Cancer Center underscore a previously underrecognized health concern for women who have successfully battled cervical cancer. The study, led by researchers Haluk Damgacioglu, Ph.D., and Ashish Deshmukh, Ph.D., sheds light on the elevated risk of developing anal cancer later in life, particularly among women with a history of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is notably preventable due to widespread screening methods and HPV vaccination, with a survival rate exceeding 90% when detected early. Despite this, the long-term risks faced by survivors are not fully understood, especially regarding related HPV-linked cancers such as anal cancer.

The research utilized data from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER program, analyzing over 85,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer over a 20-year period. Results revealed that these women have nearly double the risk of developing anal cancer compared to women without a history of cervical cancer. The risk notably escalates with age, especially in women aged 65 to 74, and increases the longer they live post-diagnosis.

Anal cancer development is typically slow and can take decades following initial HPV exposure, sometimes remaining undetected until advanced stages. Currently, screening for anal cancer is limited to high-risk populations, including those with HIV or a history of vulvar cancer, with available methods such as anal cytology and anoscopy.

Given the study’s findings, experts emphasize the importance of re-evaluating screening guidelines to include women with prior cervical cancer, who are at significant risk as they age. The hope is to introduce evidence-based screening protocols to facilitate early detection and prevention.

The researchers are now collaborating with institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Icahn School of Medicine to develop tailored screening strategies for this high-risk group. The goal is to implement risk-based screening that optimizes resource use and early detection.

This study aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers and patients about the increased risk of anal cancer in cervical cancer survivors, encouraging proactive health management to reduce the burden of secondary cancers following successful treatment of the initial disease.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-reveals-hidden-cervical-cancer.html