The Same Virus That Causes Cervical Cancer is the Culprit of Anal Cancer Too

Anal cancer has been put in the spotlight with Farrah Fawcetts's battle with the disease. What many people are starting to learn is that a common virus, HPV, is a major risk risk factor for developing anal cancer.

HPV is a virus transmitted thorugh sexual contact and it is estimated that over 20 million Americans are infected. There are over 100 different types of HPV, however only a few are responsible for cancer development. HPV is also the leading cause of cervical cancer, a disease that plagues of 9,000 American women each year. The good news is that most cases of HPV clear up on their own before progressing to cancer. However, a regular Pap smear is needed to monitor any changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. The bottom line is that if you don't get a Pap smear, you are more at risk of developing cervical cancer.