cervical Cancer Survivors Face Elevated Anal Cancer Risk, New Study Finds
Charleston, SC – september 11, 2025 – Women diagnosed with cervical cancer may face a significantly increased risk of developing anal cancer years after their initial treatment, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found a nearly two-fold increase in anal cancer incidence among cervical cancer survivors, with risk escalating over time post-diagnosis.
The cohort study, utilizing data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries, analyzed the records of 85,524 cervical cancer patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2021.Researchers identified 64 cases of anal cancer within this population, resulting in an overall incidence rate of 7.8 per 100,000 person-years. A total of 822,630 person-years of follow-up were included in the analysis.
The study revealed a clear correlation between age and anal cancer risk. Women under 45 years old with a history of cervical cancer had an incidence rate of 2.4 per 100,000 person-years, rising to 4.6 for those aged 45 to 54, 10.0 for those aged 54 to 64, and peaking at 17.6 for women aged 65 to 74. While the rate decreased slightly to 10.0 for those 75 and older, it remained substantially elevated.
Time since cervical cancer diagnosis also proved to be a critical factor. The incidence rate was 5.8 per 100,000 person-years within the first five years, increasing to 5.1 between 5 and 10 years, 12.7 between 10 and 15 years, and reaching its highest point at 16.1 per 100,000 person-years for those diagnosed 20 or more years after their initial cervical cancer treatment. notably, 59% of anal cancer diagnoses in women aged 65 to 74 occurred more than 15 years following their cervical cancer diagnosis.The study reported a standardized incidence ratio of 1.9 for anal cancer among cervical cancer survivors, indicating a significant and persistent increase in risk.
“We don’t have the resources to screen everyone,” explained researcher Deshmukh. ”but we can use thes data to be strategic. Screening based on risk ensures we help the people who need it most.”
while cervical cancer survival rates are high – exceeding 90% with early detection through routine screening and HPV vaccination – this research highlights the need to consider long-term surveillance for related cancers in survivors. The findings suggest a potential for targeted screening strategies to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
References:
- New study reveals a hidden risk after cervical cancer. Medical University of South Carolina. September 11, 2025. accessed September 11,2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1097373
- Damgacioglu H, Curtis C, sonawane K, et al.Anal cancer incidence among women with a history of cervical cancer by age and time as diagnosis. JAMA Network Open, 2025;8(9). doi:jamanetworkopen.2025.31362