The incidence of anal cancer and mortality due to anal cancer have increased in recent years. Most anal cancers are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV infections are often transient, persistent infections with oncogenic or cancer-causing types can lead to dysplasia, which can in turn progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The goal of screening for anal dysplasia is to detect and treat anal cancer precursors before they develop into cancer. Anal cancer can also be prevented through HPV vaccination.
