Abstract
Anal cancer is a tumour with a low prevalence but high morbidity. Due to the rarity of this tumour, therefore, its screening has not been considered until recently.
However, in recent decades there has been an increase in the number of cases, especially in the population of HIV-positive men having sex with men. Since the most cases of anal cancer are squamous cell carcinomas associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, as in the case of cervical cancer, there is the possibility of secondary prevention through appropriate screening.
The basis of current screening examinations are digital anorectal examination, cytological examination and anoscopy. Early detection of treatable forms is important, also based on the fact that due to cultural changes and the prevalence of risk factors, an increase in the incidence of this tumour can be expected.
However, education and motivation of at-risk groups of patients are necessary to increase the effectiveness of the screening, mainly by raising awareness of anal cancer and the role of risky sexual behavior and HPV infection.