Anal cancer is fairly rare -- much less common than cancer of the colon or rectum. The most recent American Cancer Society estimates for anal cancer in the United States are for 2009:

• about 5,290 new cases (3,190 in women and 2,100 in men)
• about 710 deaths (450 in women and 260 in men)

The number of new anal cancer cases has been on the rise for many years. Anal cancer is found mainly in adults, with the average age being in the early 60s. The disease affects women somewhat more often than men.
 

Treatment for anal cancer is often very effective, and most patients with this cancer can be cured. But anal cancer can be a serious condition.