Is There A Link Between Anal Sex and Cancer?

skyisbluesoareyou · #1 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 04:42 PM

As in real, documented evidence? I don't care about your opinion on anal sex, I just want to know if there is truth to what I've heard.

SHSHSH · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 04:42 PM

HPV, the same virus that causes cervical cancer, can also cause anal cancer. It is sexually transmitted.

Panda · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 04:45 PM

Yes, there is a suspected connection but studies are ongoing. The HPV virus, which is sexually transmitted, can also be passed along to the anus as well as the cervix. However, it should be noted that the majority of people with HPV virus do not have anal cancer.

ACS: Do we know what causes anal cancer?
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_Do_we_know_what_causes_Anal_Cancer_47.a sp?sitearea

Medline Plus: Anal Cancer
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/analcancer.html

NCI: General information about anal cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/anal/patient/

Until this issue is conclusive it would probably be wise to not smoke and to practice safe sex.

Christine · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 05:01 PM

No. Not at all.
Cancer begins because of changes in the DNA of cells, that causes them to reproduce out of control. There is absolutely no way that anal sex can change your cellular DNA, unless you're having sex with uranium.