Rectal (or anal) cancer is actually a fairly rare cancer. In fact, about 1 in 100,000 people have rectal cancer. However, this type of cancer is far more prevalent in men who have sex with men (MSM). The rate of occurrence rises considerably: to 70-144 in 100,000 people. Why does rectal cancer occur more often in men who have sex with men? When one looks at the facts, it actually makes sense. The average man who has sex with men that is also HIV positive is twice as likely to develop anal cancer as one who is HIV negative. What is it about HIV that increases the risk of men who have sex with men?
Let?s dig a little deeper. While HIV is one of many factors that increase the risk of anal cancer-including the same virus that causes genital warts-receptive anal sex is another factor. This is a common type of sexual intercourse among men who have sex with men, which is why MSM need to take additional precautions. Health professionals recommend that HIV-positive and other high-risk men be screened for anal cancer on a regular basis, including yearly exams and anal Pap smears. Rectal cancer is one of those cancers that are treatable if caught early.
A large percentage of anal cancer cases occur in people who have the human papillomavirus (HPV), the aforementioned virus that causes genital warts. Those who want to decrease the risk of developing anal cancer should also reduce their exposure to HPV; so that means they?ll have to take the necessary precautionary measures, such as using condoms for every sexual encounter. Also, experts definitely agree on having HIV-positive men who have sex with men take regular anal Pap smears. The smears detect the cell changes that are indicative of anal cancer, and early detection is vital in order to get treatment started quickly to keep the cancer from progressing.
In short, rectal cancer can be prevented and treated, but it must be caught in time; in that sense, it?s not unlike most other cancers. HIV-positive men who have sex with men are considered ?high risk? due to the type of sex they often have, which leaves them at an increased risk of developing the disease. However, with regular condom usage and some diligence in getting tested on a regular basis, even high risk individuals can reduce the risk of rectal cancer.
International Symposium on HIV & Emerging Infectious Diseases (ISHEID): the world leading AIDS experts will gather for the 2012 HIV AIDS ISHEID conference in Marseille, France, May 23-25, 2012. The general AIDS conference theme will be ?From Universal HIV Testing to HIV Cure?.
http://www.isheid.com
Related posts:
- FDA Approves Gardasil for Prevention of Anal Cancer
- Infomation About Anal Cancer
- HIV Associated Cancers
- Hpv Symptoms ? Exploding The Myths
- Cervical Cancer Basics ? What Women Should Know
Source: http://www.alanahu.org/hiv-and-anal-cancer/
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