What is Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal, which is the short tube at the end of the rectum through which stool passes out of the body. The anal canal is about 1-1.5 inches long and is surrounded by muscles that control the passage of stool. Anal cancer is a type of squamous cell carcinoma that develops from the cells that line the anal canal. Anal cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 2% of all digestive system cancers.
It is more common in women than in men, and the risk increases with age. The incidence of anal cancer has been increasing over the past few decades, and it is now more common in developed countries than in developing countries.
Although anal cancer is relatively uncommon, it can be a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. In India, the incidence of anal cancer is relatively low, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers. However, the incidence of anal cancer has been increasing in recent years, particularly among certain groups of people, such as those who are immunocompromised or have a history of anal warts or other sexually transmitted infections. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, the estimated incidence rate of anal cancer in India is 0.3 per 100,000 population. However, these figures may be underestimated due to under-reporting of cases and lack of awareness about the disease.