Is There Evidence Or Correlation Between A Risk Of Colon Cancer And Prostate Cancer With Anal Sex?

There does not seem to be a link between anal sex and colon cancer  or prostate cancer, but there is a link between anal sex and anal cancer.

When it comes to cancer we need to be pretty specific about where on the body we’re talking about, and although the colon, rectum and anus are connected, they’re different and the cancers that impact them are also different.  

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer are the same risks for many types of cancer, including being older, being obese, smoking, and alcohol use. More specific risk  factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.

For prostate cancer the risk factors are being older, having a family history of prostate cancer, and race.

 The risk between anal sex and cancer comes into play when we talk about anal sex. Anal cancer can be cause by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). While we often talk about HPV and its link to cervical cancer, HPV has also been linked to anal cancer, throat cancer, and penile cancer.

While anal cancer is not the most common of cancers, less than 1% of all new cancer cases a year, the number of people who have been diagnosed with anal cancer, and who have died from it, have been increasing pretty steadily over the last decade.

So how can you protect yourself from HPV and the cancers that are associated with it? Barriers like internal and external condoms can help prevent you from contracting HPV. If you’re engaging in oral sex, or oral/anal contact, then dental dams can be helpful.

You may also want to consider getting the HPV vaccine if you haven’t already done so. It’s approved for folks ages 9 – 45. You can go here to learn more about it.

 Until next time, be safe and have fun!

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