Since some people with anal cancer have no known risk factors, there is no way to completely prevent this disease. But the best way to reduce the risk of anal cancer is to avoid HPV infection. While condoms (rubbers) can protect against HIV, recent research has shown that they do not offer complete protection. That is because this virus can be spread by skin contact from areas that are not covered by the condom. People can have HPV for years without having any symptoms. So it can be nearly impossible to know whether a sex partner is infected with HPV.
A vaccine called Gardasil® can help protect against infection with HPV subtypes 16 and 18 (as well as 6 and 11). At first it was only approved for use in women to prevent cervical cancer, but it has also been shown to prevent other cancers and pre-cancers caused by HPV. It was recently approved for use in both men and women to prevent anal cancers and pre-cancers.
Cervarix® is an HPV vaccine that can also be used to prevent infection with HPV types 16 and 18. Although it is only approved by the FDA to help prevent cervical cancers and pre-cancers, a recent study has shown that it is also helpful in preventing anal cancers and pre-cancers.
Stopping smoking also lowers the risk of many types of cancer, including anal cancer.
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