Although tumor characteristics and staging affect prognosis, patient factors, such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status, are also important prognostic factors for squamous-cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

Although numerous studies have examined the impact of surgeon factors on outcomes, only a few cancers have been examined, and outcome measures are inconsistent. Most studies do not appear robust enough to support major policy decisions. There is a need for better data sources and consistent analyses which assess the impact of surgeon factors on a broad range of cancers and help to uncover the underlying reasons for the volume-outcome association.