Objectives: Examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of anal cancer in the State of Connecticut.
Materials and methods: The Department of Health Connecticut Tumor Registry resources were utilized for the years 1980-2000.
Results: A total of 646 anal cancers (410 females, 236 males) were diagnosed (mean age: 63.4 years). The most prominent histological type was squamous cell carcinoma, followed by adenocarcinoma and cloacogenic carcinoma. Females predominated in both the first and second decade of the study period. Black males accounted for 2.3% of all cases during the first decade, compared to 5% during the second decade. Surgery alone was the most common treatment modality, followed by radiation alone and a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy data were not available although it is currently considered an important part of therapy.
Conclusions: Anal cancer incidence in Connecticut increased in the 21-year period 1980 to 2000, affecting the rate for African-American men more than other race-specific and gender-specific population subgroups. Anal cancer affects women more often than men. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type.