Actress Marcia Cross Reveals Her Anal Cancer Came From Same HPV Strain That Caused Her Husband’s Throat Cancer

Former “Desperate Housewives” star Marcia Cross is sharing important information regarding anal cancer by sharing her personal story. 

A year and a half ago, the actress was diagnosed with anal cancer after a regular checkup with her gynecologist. 

According to Yahoo News, Anal cancer forms on the anal canal, near the sphincter muscles. Symptoms of anal cancer include anal pain, itching, and bleeding in the anus, as well as a growth of a mass formed in the anus. Most cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. 

Cross, whose husband battled throat cancer 10 years ago, said her doctors believe HPV caused both of their cancers. 

HPV can cause many other different cancers, including cancer of the vagina, penis, and the cervix. 

Cross is speaking out publicly in a brave effort to raise awareness and remove any shame or stigma regarding talking about anal cancer and the anus in general. 

“I know there are people who are ashamed,” Cross told CBS. “You have cancer! You have to then also feel ashamed? Like you did something bad, you know, because it took up residence in your anus? I mean, come on, really. There’s enough on your plate.”

Cross’s cancer is now in remission after six weeks of radiation and two weeks of chemotherapy.