Many people associate colon and anal cancer together, often believing that the two are in fact simply different names for the same disease. This is far from the case, as the two cancers are completely different from one another.

The anus is located at the very end of the large intestine and comprises of the anal canal, which is only approximately an inch and a half wide, the rectum, where fecal matter is stored and the anal opening, from where of course waste is excreted.

The colon on the other hand is the final six foot section of the large intestine that connects to the anal canal, which does overlap with the colon for approximately the last four to six inches.

Colon cancer is fairly common, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It affects both women and men and can develop for a number of reasons, all of which are not yet fully understood by medical science. Genetics, increasing age and chronic digestive complaints such as Crohn’s disease can all be risk factors for developing colon cancer and there is increasing evidence that a poor diet may possibly increase an individual’s colon cancer risk as well.

Anal cancer is much rarer, accounting for only about 500 US deaths annually. Some cases seem to have no cause at all, while others can be associated with Human papilloma virus infection, which is also blamed for causing cervical cancer in women. Women who have survived cervical cancer are often still considered to be at greater risk for developing anal cancer later in life than those who have not.

Anal intercourse is also believed to increase the risk of developing anal cancer, especially for men and women who are under the age of 30 or engage in sexual activity with multiple partners. A lowered immunity system can also put a person at greater risk from the disease.

One common factor that research has found links the risk factors for both colon and anal cancer is smoking. Some studies demonstrated that tobacco use seems to increase the size of both anal and colon polyps. Larger polyps are far more likely to become cancerous in both areas.

Anal cancer is fairly easily diagnosed with a simple physical exam while it takes a colonoscopy to diagnose colon cancer. Both cancers are able to be fairly successfully treated if diagnosed in the early stages, so regular screening is essential for both men and women.