Anal Sex and Bowel Cancer

[DrDr]

Some guy emailed me that ass fucking causes colon cancer if it is with multiple partners. I am not really well studied on it. I just know I like it.

Hi

I only joined here because I saw the above and thought maybe some folk might benefit from a heads-up here. I saw a few somewhat odd misconceptions about bowel cancer elsewhere on the site, which further prompted me.

So here's the bowel cancer 101 and I suspect you ought to read it.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in both the US and Western Europe after lung cancer. In the UK it kills 16,000 people every year.

Bowel cancer is sometimes called colo-rectal or colon cancer. Anal cancer is also bowel cancer, of which more later. I will refer to all these as "bowel cancer" for the sake of simplicity. (They all kill you just as dead.)

Assuming NO hereditary or other elevated risk, diet and lifestyle are significant risk factors for this disease or group of diseases. A healthy balanced diet with adequate roughage, not smoking, taking regular exercise, keeping your weight down and generally being sensible are all helpful in avoiding the disease. However statements such as "eating red meat gives you colon cancer" are just too simplistic. Red meat is fine as part of a balanced diet.

The risk of bowel cancer increases with age but it IS NOT ONLY a disease of the elderly. Bowel cancer typically develops on lesions called adenomatous polyps which most people develop. Less than 1% of such polyps become malignant. However they do often bleed slightly, but not enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Unfotunately bowel cancer typically shows few symptoms until it has advanced. Patients frequently ignore early symptoms also. This is bad because the disease is usually eminently treatable if diagnosed early. Some figures suggest a 90% survival rate from cancer detected and treated early reducing to 8% if found late, though clearly these stats need to be better defined. But they are a useful guide to the importance of early detection.

To minimise risk you should keep an eye out for symptoms such as persistent stomach pain or cramps, chronic fatigue or anaemia or change in bowel habits, for example if your frequency changes, or the consistency of your stool changes fro more than a week or so. You do all check the paper when you wipe, I hope, and if you don't, start NOW. Stop being squeamish, it might save your life. (Sudden profuse bleeding with bright red (oxygenated) blood is usually caused by haemorrhoids but GET IT CHECKED.) If you have any concerns see a doctor AT ONCE.

In the non-elevated risk population the most effective defence against bowel cancer is routine screening. This is most often done with a test called a "faecal occult blood test" or FOBT. These involve taking a sample of stool (shit) and testing for the presence of occult-- that is INVISIBLE-- blood. This blood comes from the polyps I mentioned above.

The next line of defence is typically an internal visual examination by colonoscopy or similar procedure. This is invasive but low-risk. Polyps and some early cancers can be removed at this stage.

Right, so where does this leave you? Well, if you have ANY history of cancer and particularly bowel cancer yourself or in your family, irritable bowel syndrome, irregularity in bowel habits, bleeding into the toilet, chronic fatigue or anaemia you MUST tell your doctor and get him or her to check you out and propose a plan to observe you. Be firm and specific-- many doctors don't realise that bowel cancer can strike young but I certainly have known of cases in the patient's TEENS.

If you have no elevated risk, you should begin routine FOBT testing every year at the age of 40. Annual FOBT screening can result in up to 1/3 reduction in mortality and so is well worth the effort and low cost. However it does not catch all cancers, so if it is available you should consider routine internal visual examination every three to five years as well.

NOW, the bit you've been waiting for--ANAL SEX. Sorry to keep you waiting. Anal sex DOES cause an elevated risk of contracting anal cancer, which is where the cancer is very low in the digestive tract. I am not aware of any specific research to determine why it does; it may be due to abrasion and trauma or possibly to irritable reaction to semen. Whatever, practising anal sex PUTS YOU INTO AN ELEVATED RISK GROUP FOR BOWEL CANCER AND YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR DOCTOR!
Sorry to shout but it's important.

I can't see any reason why multiple partners would cause a further risk increase AS LONG AS YOU USE A CONDOM, but it is possible that frequency is a factor.

The situation is somewhat complicated because a little bleeding from the rectum is quite common after anal sex. This may or may not be noticeable. The whole of the digestive tract from mouth to anus is lined with rather delicate epithelium which can be ruptured quite easily. Think how soft the inside of your mouth is. However this lining does heal very rapidly in healthy individuals. So it is quite normal for anal sex, particularly the first few times, or if the penetrating member is big or the sex is violent, for the lining to be slightly ruptured. These are sometimes called "micro-fissures" though they can be quite large. HOWEVER the bleeding from any such lesions should cease after a few days and certainly if it persists after a week SEE A DOCTOR. Anal sex can cause other problems which may result in bleeding, so don't panic, just GET CHECKED.

Nevertheless it would be sensible for anyone receiving anal sex to consider themselves to be in a high risk group. They should begin annual FOBT screening immediately as a precaution. You will have to abstain from anal sex for at least a week before taking the test samples to avoid the risk of contamination from other bleeding.

In some areas FOBT testing is available free. In the US check your doctor. The tests are very cheap in any case. In the UK the National Independent Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NIBCSP) provides a high-quality, low-cost screening service with full lab backup. Although this service is principally aimed at the UK and Ireland they will send kits anywhere in the world. The company providing this is at http://www.pocl.co.uk where there's a load more info as well.

I'm sorry to be so long-winded about this and I hope I haven't put you off lunch. But bowel cancer kills far more people than it should and taking a few simple precautions can reduce your risk dramatically. I'll let you all get back to having fun now.

[Vala_TS]

Uh oh! I love to get it hard. Am I in trouble?

Vala,

[DrDr]

Uh oh! I love to get it hard. Am I in trouble?

Vala,

Don't panic!. Without knowing how old you are it's difficult to be precise, but even given an elevated risk due to your sex life, your risk is probably still very low.

Nevertheless you should be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions. I have suggested a few. Taking your doctor into your confidence and making sure he or she knows your lifestyle habits and concerns is essential.

Remember, even if you were to contract bowel cancer--for whatever reason-- if you catch it early enough it is one of the most easily treated cancers of all.

I'm not for one minute suggesting everyone should go all guilty and worried about their sex lives-- we have enough of that anyway-- I just wanted to make people aware of some of the facts and things they can do to help themselves.

Remember--any worries--SEE YOUR DOCTOR!

Ah shit, props on your post but you didnt take note to the coming epidemic. HPV. HPV is a bitch. A faggoty, manipulative faggot. Science fags estimate that 1/4 of slut women have HPV. That shit has scared me to the point of creating a lube/carageenan combo deal.

Maaaaaaaan! I'm paranoid. Since I read that I have a bottle of listerine in my glovebox. Not the minty shit. The brown nasty listerine that your dad used to kiss you on the cheek with when you were 8 years old and he was on the way to work.

I don't even share coca cola or anything anymore. I love coca cola. It's the best drink ever. Even better than Bud Light. But shit, wtf do I have to do?

[Vala_TS]

I'm only 18. I've been anally pleasuring myself since I was 12 though.

Vala,

TMI

[EdelweissFan]

Hey Doc, could it have something to do with HPV? This is a big issue in the states right now (I assume you are in the UK) because the HPV vaccine has just been introduced and several states want to make HPV vaccine for girls mandatory as a means of reducing cervical cancer. Of course, the Christian nutjob lobby wants to prevent the use of the vaccine, so that girls will be afraid of getting cancer and won't have sex.

Anyhoo, HPV also causes anal warts, doesn't it? Is there a correlation between anal warts and colon cancer? Could there be a correlation between promiscuous unprotected anal sex, anal warts and colon cancer?

[Vala_TS]

TMI

What? Was that too shocking of a revelation?

Vala,

[DrDr]

Hey Doc, could it have something to do with HPV? This is a big issue in the states right now (I assume you are in the UK) because the HPV vaccine has just been introduced and several states want to make HPV vaccine for girls mandatory as a means of reducing cervical cancer. Of course, the Christian nutjob lobby wants to prevent the use of the vaccine, so that girls will be afraid of getting cancer and won't have sex.

Anyhoo, HPV also causes anal warts, doesn't it? Is there a correlation between anal warts and colon cancer? Could there be a correlation between promiscuous unprotected anal sex, anal warts and colon cancer?



STD's are not my field but as you say, some variants of the HPV do have an association with cervical cancer in women.

HPV also causes warts, but I haven't seen any research specifically regarding a correlation between promiscuous unprotected anal sex, anal warts and bowel cancer. That certainly does not mean to say there isn't one, just that I don't know if there is or not. There may very well be, so why take chances?

Whatever the specific cause, there is evidence that anal sex does cause elevated risk for BC. Promiscuous unprotected sex is always a high-risk activity and we know that anal sex is riskier than vaginal sex, so really my advice would be to practise safe sex at all times.

I do know that in the UK there is an increase in the incidence of HIV positivity within the gay community as a result of men practising unprotected sex and I would have to say that is pretty worrying.

However I'm not preaching, I am simply suggesting that it's a good idea for everyone but especially people in elevated risk groups to increase their awareness of bowel cancer, its symptoms and what they can do about it. Caught early the chances of recovery are very high. Do all the reading, talk to your physician, start screening regularly and keep an eye on your bowel health generally. Taken together with always practising safe sex you should be able to enjoy a good sex life at the lowest possible risk.

[DrDr]

I'm only 18. I've been anally pleasuring myself since I was 12 though.

Vala,

BC is rare at your age, even in high-risk groups. It does happen but it's unusual. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, start there. If not do plenty of research.

[Vala_TS]

I'm only 18. I've been anally pleasuring myself since I was 12 though.

Vala,

BC is rare at your age, even in high-risk groups. It does happen but it's unusual. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, start there. If not do plenty of research.

That's good to know.

Anyway, he doesn't know. I've been embarrased to tell him (Doctor) that I f*ck myself in the ass.

Vala,

[a994]

Hey Doc, could it have something to do with HPV? This is a big issue in the states right now (I assume you are in the UK) because the HPV vaccine has just been introduced and several states want to make HPV vaccine for girls mandatory as a means of reducing cervical cancer. Of course, the Christian nutjob lobby wants to prevent the use of the vaccine, so that girls will be afraid of getting cancer and won't have sex.




(disgusted sigh) Where have I heard this before, I wonder? (another disgusted, and just plain sad, sigh) :oops:

What is the Religious Right going to say or do next to make me no longer want to be a (admittedly not at all very good) Christian? (yet another disgusted--aww skip it, it's not even worth the effort)

[DrDr]

Anyway, he doesn't know. I've been embarrased to tell him (Doctor) that I f*ck myself in the ass.

Vala,

All doctors have spent time on the wards and most will at some time have had to remove foreign objects that "got stuck up my bottom," so they're pretty thick-skinned, but your feelings are understandable if this is your family doctor.

Really, providing you have no other risk elevating factors and no symptoms you have very little to worry about at your age though, so do a bit of background reading and be sure to play safe. Get a thorough check-up from a proctologist when you're about twenty-five and you may consider taking other steps then.

[XPBMX]

wow...gee that was extremely informative, and I am not hungry anymore. forever. I guess that was welcomed and all but wow..I am seriously not hungry forever .

[Vala_TS]

Thanks.

Vala,

[Kriss]

WHAT HE SAID

EXCELLENT THREAD, thank you.

[castabyss]

It's nice to actually read something where someone knows what they're talking about. Maybe we should ask DRDR to be our official HA board "physician"?

CA

[BlackAdder]

"NOW, the bit you've been waiting for--ANAL SEX. Sorry to keep you waiting. Anal sex DOES cause an elevated risk of contracting anal cancer, which is where the cancer is very low in the digestive tract. I am not aware of any specific research to determine why it does; it may be due to abrasion and trauma or possibly to irritable reaction to semen. Whatever, practising anal sex PUTS YOU INTO AN ELEVATED RISK GROUP FOR BOWEL CANCER AND YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR DOCTOR!
Sorry to shout but it's important.
"

Complete bullshit unless you have some kind of study or hard fact to back it up.

So c'mon, wheres your source data??

pffff..

[DrDr]

Three things, then I'm out of here permanently.

1. HPV has indeed been associated with anal cancer. I wasn't aware of this finding before, as STD's are not my area. However it is the case.

2. To the previous poster, Blackadder, this quote is from the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) page on anal cancer "Risk factors include the following.....Having receptive anal intercourse (anal sex)"

There are of course scientific papers on which this is based, but I am quite certain they would be incomprehensible to you.

Now, perhaps it is all right for you to stick your head in the sand but the others on this board should think very carefully before they listen to you. I mean, you might not care about your life (and if you don't I certainly don't, you're not one of my clients) but perhaps some others have a bit more common sense.

You remind me of some people I met in the past who refused point blank to believe that anal sex was a vector for HIV and AIDS. The funny thing is that as far as I know they're all dead now. Or for that matter smokers who insist their habit won't kill them. Keep your head in the sand, by all means. If your life is shortened by your cavalier indifference to commonsense precautions, I can assure you it won't trouble me.

3. About being the "site doctor." It's very sweet but I only popped in to pass on some information. It is entirely up to you whether you take any heed of it or not. I doubt if I'll be back, so thanks but no thanks.

[Vala_TS]

So, how many reported cases are there of gays/transexuals having anal cancer from anal sex?

Vala,

[cockgobbler]

So, how many reported cases are there of gays/transexuals having anal cancer from anal sex?

Vala,

In terms of those in the porn industry, I have not heard of any cases of straight, gay, bi or transsexual performers being diagnosed with anal cancer from anal sex. That's not to say no one has, but you would think there would be info released about it.

Older porn stars like Nina Hartley have been doing anal since the mid 80's and she is still going strong. She even put out an instructional video about anal sex.

[peggygee]

So, how many reported cases are there of gays/transexuals having anal cancer from anal sex?

Vala,

In terms of those in the porn industry, I have not heard of any cases of straight, gay, bi or transsexual performers being diagnosed with anal cancer from anal sex. That's not to say no one has, but you would think there would be info released about it.

Older porn stars like Nina Hartley have been doing anal since the mid 80's and she is still going strong. She even put out an instructional video about anal sex.

At this juncture I do not have all of the data on a causal relationship
between anal sex and cancer, but a cursory overview brought up
this:

http://members.aol.com/mpwright9/aids7.html

Part Four:

Anal Intercourse and Immune Dysfunction: Duesberg's Compromise


Michael Phillip Wright
Norman, Oklahoma USA
Copyright 2001
All Rights Reserved
E-mail the Author

In an indirect fashion, anal intercourse is implicated in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, one of the diseases on the CDC's "AIDS-indicator" list. This is because nitrite inhalent recreational drugs, known commonly as "poppers," have been popular in the gay community and are used to facilitate this practice through relaxation of the anal sphincter. Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse have recognized that nitrite inhalent abuse is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, [1] and HIV-negative gay men with a history of using poppers have developed this disease.[2] For more on this subject, see John Lauritsen's article at the Sumeria website.
Homosexual males are also at elevated risk for anal cancer. A likely possibility is that chemicals in the lubricants used to facilitate anal intercourse are a factor associated with this disease. Researchers R.J. Ablin and R. Stein-Werblowsky describe sperm and seminal plasma as capable of promoting cancer, and suggest that this accounts for the increase in cancer among people practicing anal sex. [3]

Several researchers have concerned themselves with the immune dysfunction consequent to the direct entry of semen into the bloodstream, by means of anal intercourse. Joseph Sonnabend has argued that repeated exposures to semen combined with various sexually transmitted disease pathogens result in impairment of immune response. Robert Root-Bernstein concluded that exposure to semen through anal intercourse can initiate lymphocytotoxic autoimmunity. Another researcher who recognizes the pathogenic effects of semen is Eleni Papadopulos-Eleopulos, author of "Looking Back on the Oxidative Stress Theory of AIDS"

Spanish researcher B.L. Benitez, casting doubt on the hypothesis that HIV is the sole cause of AIDS, writes that several other factors, including alloantigenic stimulation by semen, can account for immunesuppression in AIDS patients. [4] V. Quagliarello proposed sperm exposure as a possible cause of AIDS in 1982, [5] and rectally-deposited sperm has been found to be immunesuppressive in rabbits. [6] In a 1984 article, Giora Mavligit and colleagues studied 30 gay male couples, and concluded that their results "strongly support the hypothesis that allogenic sperm is an etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of acquired immune dysregulation among homosexual males" who practice anal sex. [7]

[peggygee]

http://www.man2manpdx.us/physical_health/cancer_smoking.shtml

CANCER & SMOKING HAZARDS

Gay men may be at increased risk for certain forms of cancer. Some cancers are more commonly seen in persons with HIV infection. For example, Kaposi's sarcoma and certain types of lymphomas are more common in people with HIV. Since HIV is found in higher rates among gay men in Western nations, cancers associated with HIV infection are more common among gay men in these parts of the world.

Some strains of HPV -- the virus that causes genital and anal warts -- are linked to certain forms of cancer. When this virus causes cancer in men, it most often causes anal cancer. Anal HPV infection primarily occurs through unprotected anal sex, and direct penis-to-rectum contact during sex. Anal cancer occurs more frequently in men with damaged immune systems (including those with HIV). HPV on the penis can also cause penile cancers, but this quite rare. Smoking may increase the risk of cancer as well.

Gay men may also be at increased risk for liver cancer. As stated above, gay men are considered at increased risk for hepatitis B infection, which has been linked to liver cancer and other forms of liver disease (including cirrhosis of the liver).

In addition to anal and liver cancers, gay men may also be at increased risk for lung cancer and other cancers linked to cigarette smoking. It has been suggested that smoking rates among gay men may be higher than the general population. Of course, smoking also has many other health risks, including an increased risk for emphysema and heart disease

[peggygee]

http://www.lgbthealthchannel.com/analhealth/

Anal Cancer

The risk for anal cancer is a concern for men and women who have anal sex. It can produce malignant tumors inside and outside the anal canal. Many people with early anal cancer have no symptoms. The major risk factor for anal cancer is infection with HPV. Many LGBT practitioners are advising routine anal Pap smears to detect the early changes that might indicate a risk of developing anal cancer. There are no long term studies, but some providers advise that any male with a history of having anal sex should be screened. Also women with cervical dysplasia should be screened. About twice as many HIV-positive men as uninfected men develop anal cancer, so this group is particularly at risk. Although anal cancer accounts for less than 5% of all digestive and intestinal tract cancers, the rate of incidence is rising.

[peggygee]

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/healthfitness/health_advice/netdoctor/000594.html

Is it safe?
Anal sex, if practised with care, is possible for most couples. It does, however, carry additional health risks and there are safer sexual practices that couples can enjoy. The main health risks, which affect both heterosexual and homosexual couples, are described below.



Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): there is good research evidence that anal intercourse carries a greater risk of transmission of HIV - the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) than other sexual activities, particularly for the receptive partner.


Human papilloma virus (HPV, wart virus): can be transmitted during anal intercourse and lead to anal warts, which in turn can predispose infected individuals to cancer of the anal canal.


Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis): is a viral infection that can cause jaundice and abdominal pain. It is not usually a serious illness, although sufferers can feel very ill. It can be transmitted by oral-anal contact.


Hepatitis C: is a cause of progressive and sometimes fatal chronic liver disease. It may be transmitted by anal intercourse, although this seems to be a rare occurrence. Sharing of equipment for intravenous drug use is a far more important risk for transmission.


Escherichia Coli (E. Coli): may cause mild to severe, or even fatal, gastroenteritis. It is one of many bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted by oral-anal contact. Some E. coli strains (uropathic E. coli), probably transmitted during anal intercourse, can also cause urinary tract infections, ranging from cystitis to pyelonephritis - a serious kidney infection.

[Vala_TS]

Well, that's not the best news an anal junkie wants to hear. Anyway, is petrolium jelly (Vaseline) safe to use chemically?

Vala,

[signupjustforthis]

Ah shit, props on your post but you didnt take note to the coming epidemic. HPV. HPV is a bitch. A faggoty, manipulative faggot. Science fags estimate that 1/4 of slut women have HPV. That shit has scared me to the point of creating a lube/carageenan combo deal.


Okay, ask yourself, is this acceptable? No wonder you voted for Bush.

You should marry Ann coulter, she is a tranny whose share the same views as you do.

[peggygee]

Well, that's not the best news an anal junkie wants to hear. Anyway, is petrolium jelly (Vaseline) safe to use chemically?

Vala,

Vaseline should not be use in conjuction with a condom as it will
cause a latex condom to dissolve and then break.

Also is is quite messy and does not clean up well, as it is not water
soluble. Thus my thougt is that it would linger and trap harmful
bacteria, germs etc.

As Vaseline is a petroleum by-product, a hydo carbon I get a sense
that it might not be safe for internal use.

Thus given it's downsides vis a vis dissolving condoms, I would strongly
suggest you switch to a water based lubricant for anal play.

[Vala_TS]

Thanks. Anyway, I use vaseline when I'm playing alone only.

Vala,

[peggygee]

Thanks. Anyway, I use vaseline when I'm playing alone only.

Vala,

However I am referring to your own germs, bacteria, etc.

Try a lube from these folks.

www.lubery.com

http://www.lubery.com/store/comersus_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory= 2

Anal specific:

http://www.lubery.com/store/comersus_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory= 486

[LG]

[muhmuh]

Thus my thougt is that it would linger and trap harmful bacteria, germs etc.

afaik it really does so basically anything you put in there with vaseline stays there for a while

[peggygee]

Speechless?

:)

[LG]

Speechless?

:)

Sorry, it was a short comment and I decided to edit it out. I thought it was best to keep the seriousness of the thread.

[peggygee]

Speechless?

:)

Sorry, it was a short comment and I decided to edit it out. I thought it was best to keep the seriousness of the thread.

Yeah, cancer is no joke. I have seen it make the toughest of them
nervous.

I hope the HPV vaccine proposals go through smoothly, it will save
lives.

[LG]

Yeah, cancer is no joke. I have seen it make the toughest of them
nervous.


I know. Five members of my family have died from it and two have had narrow escapes. I'm considered pretty high risk given all that. I was actually going to slam TFan's stupid comments rather than joke about cancer, but I'll have time to hand him his ass on a plate later in another thread. It'll be more fun that way.


I hope the HPV vaccine proposals go through smoothly, it will save
lives.

I hope so too, peggy.

peace

[peggygee]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/TheMoreyouknow4x2.jpg

[Kriss]

shit,
Okay, ask yourself, is this acceptable? No wonder you voted for Bush.
You should marry Ann coulter, she is a tranny whose share the same views as you do.

:lol: :claps